There are ancient secret societies that still exist today. This is where “the law of attraction” comes from. This ancient society has followed humanity, for better or worse, to every country and every corner of the world. You will find common symbols and structures throughout the ancient world. There are often hidden messages found in all kinds of media that can show hidden meanings. It’s through this lens I’ll analyze the movie “Kung Fu Panda”.
The movie is a classic fish-out-of-water trope. Generally, the first few seconds will tell you everything you need to know what the movie is about. We’re shown gorgeous scenes of China, which is what this movie is about. A letter of love to China from a Western point of view. The main character has a dream sequence, and we’re shown everything we need to know about the main protagonist character. The characters are all anthropomorphic animals. It’s a shortcut way to tell a story, as the characters will adopt common traits of the animal.
The father is also established as a caring and upright figure. Wanting the best for his adopted son, allowing him to inherit the restaurant. In the next part, we get introduced to a character that a lot of people instantly loved; Oogway, a wise and old turtle. Here’s where the occult teachings come in, mainly by three characters, whom are all teachers. The father, Mr. Ping, seems a little off and different. I’ll explain later why this is the case.
Nothing is impossible – Oogway
Interpreted: He’s not explaining how or why, just hinting that there are forces beyond our vision and control. There is more to the universe than we know, and these have a direct effect on us. Divine intervention is usually called a “Miracle”.
One often meets his destiny on his way to avoid it – Oogway
Interpreted: There is more to the Universe than just you. There are others with their own desires, including the divine. When the divine has their minds made up and want something, you will knowingly and unknowingly, through your skills and clumsiness, accomplish that will… Fate is an oversimplification that heads in the wrong direction here.
Who is worthy of the secret of unlimited power? -Shifu
Interpreted: Whomst ever obtains the secret scroll can and will unlock unlimited power. The secret must be controlled by us, as we control who can obtain it. We are the gatekeepers to unlimited power and will be the judge.
There are no accidents – Oogway
Interpreted: There are higher powers that interfere with our daily lives. If we seek out the hidden hand in all things, we can begin to notice their power and influence. The higher powers do not leave anything to chance.
The protagonist, Po, makes his way to the festival and is selected as the “Dragon Warrior”. Dragons are sacred, you could interpret this as “the sacred warrior” “the spiritual warrior” or “the one who will guide”.
True to the trope of a fish out of water story, Po is awkward and everyone gets on his case, acting with disgust. However, one by one, each that sees a good quality in him leaves him alone and begins to even defend him.
Think I’m going to just hand you the secret to limitless power? – Shifu
Interpreted: I can only administer the trials and tests. I cannot give you the knowledge, as I do not have it. Through trials, you will see for yourself if you are indeed worthy… That is the gatekeeping. You are brought into the light through trials and tribulations.
In this story, there are two antagonists or people who force the story forward. These are Shifu and Tai’Lung. Tailung has a very interesting design that is very occult in nature. Dark all over with glowing yellow eyes, his only clothes are dark violet.
Tai’Lung is only able to escape because of the fear of Oogway, Shifu, and everyone else. Had everyone stayed the course and had more faith, there wouldn’t be a story here. Tai’Lung makes a miraculous escape.
Interpreted: Your fears will also shape your world. The louder you shout “No!” the stronger they become. Tai’Lung isn’t strong himself, he feeds off other’s fears and through his own trials; gains power. The source of his power is fear.
Shifu learns of the escape and is convinced when having a heart-to-heart with Oogway to have faith. Oogway gives a lesson on everything has its proper place in this world and its own season. Everything needs a season, a chance to grow. Oogway tells Shifu to have faith.
Interpreted: Time can be your enemy or ally. There is a time for everything, to sow and reap.
Next scene, Shifu observes Po doing things he never thought possible previously and finds good qualities in him. He then begins the training of Po using a montage.
Tai’Lung engages with the 5, who are really not important to the story. An interesting note is that there are 5 styles of Kung Fu that each animal of the 5 embraces, again this is a set love piece for China.
See light in the darkest Cave – Shifu
Interpreted: When you become the guide, you will help us to the divine light of life. And once you have that light, there is hope. This hope will be there even in your darkest times, this will also be a light to others.
The secret ingredient; is nothing – Mr. Ping
Interpreted: Mr. Ping is one of only two people who wear red in the entire show. His character also behaves very differently from everyone else, not because he’s a main character or needs to stand out. He’s already been initiated into the secret. He understands that you just need faith and belief to make things happen.
There is no secret ingredient – Po
Interpreted: Po has passed the trials, po has proven himself worthy. Even through his fear, he was led to his father for further knowledge and instruction. It was because of Po’s weakness that he was led to where he needed to be. Here Po not only has learned the secret but has he has dropped his fear.
Tai’lung uses the fear of Shifu to defeat him, but Po, now armed with the secret and confronts without fear, is able to fight. Using every experience he’s had up to that point.
The scroll has given him power – Tai’Lung
Interpreted: I acknowledge that you have gained in your station because of the power given to you by this secret. I envy.
The power is mine! It’s nothing? Tai’Lung
Interpreted: I have not gone through trials and tribulations. I come from the darkness, I cannot comprehend the light… Even when Tai’Lung is told the message, he still does not understand it. And thus we see the profane will remain in ignorance.
Po activates brings the divine light of life and this light spreads throughout the valley of peace. Everyone is enhanced by the light, but does not understand it yet. Evil is destroyed and new life enters the valley. His master gains inner peace.
There’s a lot more hidden messaging than I’m showing here. These are just the ones I thought were more interesting to share. While there’s a lot of hidden messages in movies and other media, this was a more positive one, so I thought it was worth sharing.