The Avatar Cycle: A Cross-Section of Anime and Ancient Religions

The explosion in popularity of Avatar: The Last Airbender can be attributed to the way in which it presents weighty themes in a fun and whimsical way.

While the cartoon was created entirely in the United States, there are numerous obvious parallels to the philosophical traditions of East Asia.

The show examines issues of cultural division, war, morality, and much more through the lenses of these philosophical traditions.

Avatar: The Last Airbender follows the journey of Aang and his friends, who must save the world by defeating Fire Lord Ozai and the Fire Nation.

Series Synopsis

It begins in the middle of an imperialist war that the Fire Nation is waging against the nations of the three other elements.

Aang, a 12-year-old boy who was frozen in an iceberg for 100 years before being reawakened by his friends Sokka and Katara, is the reincarnation of the Avatar.

Many parts of Aang’s lifestyle also allude to the practices of Eastern religions. He was born in a temple and raised by monks.

The Avatar Cycle and Eastern Religion

This show teaches us to take responsibility for our own lives, to respect the balance of nature, to be compassionate even towards those who want to hurt us.

What Can We Learn From the Avatar?

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