Student Question
What lesson is learned from The Master Puppeteer?
Quick answer:
The lesson from "The Master Puppeteer" involves understanding the dual nature of manipulation. Jiro learns that manipulation can be used for both good and bad purposes. The puppet master uses manipulation to teach and benefit his students, reflecting selflessness. However, manipulation can also lead to harmful outcomes, like famine, when driven by selfish motives. The key lesson is that manipulation should be guided by selflessness, aligning with the samurai code, to serve a greater good.
One theme or lesson to be taken from The Master Puppeteer is that of the good side and the bad side of manipulation. Jiro learns that the puppet master manipulates the audience to cause them to feel and perceive even as he manipulates the puppets to do things. Jiro also learns that the master puppeteer manipulates his students so that they will learn the lessons they need to know to be faithful and skilled puppeteers. Jiro also learns that horrible events like famine can be brought about by manipulation.
He also learns the greatest lesson that the double-edged sword of manipulation can be controlled only by following the old samurai code of selflessness. This is an especially important lesson for today when selflessness is seldom thought of. With selflessness, then manipulations by a wise person are for a higher wisdom and turn out to be for others' benefit. Without selflessness manipulations by a self-serving person bring harm and destruction to the other person.
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