Releasing Negative Energy Through Art & Media

peyruckus

I recently read an article about a "buddhist leader" who believes that violent video games can be therapeutic. He said, "If I'm having some negative thoughts or negative feelings, video games are one way in which I can release that energy in the context of the illusion of the game."

I understand what he's saying, I think. It's a way to channel and get rid of negative emotions in a way that is harmless — or at least not directly harmful. To keep those feelings out of the real world and out the way.

It seems okay to me, but I'm not highly educated in the dharma.

How do you guys on this forum feel about this? Does this idea sound like it's trying to minimize the importance of meditation, or take away a crucial aspect of meditation? Forgive my ignorance, but is it okay for a buddhist to want to act on violent feelings even in a video game?

Also, could the same "therapeutic" concept apply for violent poetry and song lyrics? For example, there is a song from the '90s called F*ck Off and Die. The lyrics don't actually depict acts of violence, but are blatantly saying that the singer cares not whether the person in question lives or dies. Is this also a good way of channeling negative energy in such a way that it stays out of physicality?

person

I've heard Thich Naht Hahn talk about doing something like hitting a pillow to release negative emotions as only being a temporary release and what you are really doing in the long run is actually training yourself to react aggressively in reaction to anger.

The general method that Buddhist meditation provides is to not act according to the dictates of negative emotions and also to not react aversely to them and repress them but to sit with them as if they are a good friend and watch them in meditation. Eventually without the fuel of either following or denying they lose their steam and simply melt away.

Zero

hitting a pillow to release negative emotions as only being a temporary release and what you are really doing in the long run is actually training yourself to react aggressively in reaction to anger.

:thumbsup:

I cant see the therapeudic link between say violent computer games and violent tendencies / energy - If I play a FPS it is not replacing my desire to shoot people nor channeling negative energy nor providing me with any therapy - it is feeding my habituated desire to push buttons and be fed incremental rewards - good rat... little bit of cheese for you :buck:

peyruckus

If I play a FPS it is not replacing my desire to shoot people nor channeling negative energy nor providing me with any therapy - it is feeding my habituated desire to push buttons and be fed incremental rewards - good rat... little bit of cheese for you

I hear ya!

JohnG

I write screenplays for an outlet; and I've won a few compititions. I find this a very theraputic way to relase anger, and fear. Some day I may get produced, but for now,it's okay that I just write.