The Truth Behind Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth: A Buddhist Perspective

In Buddhism, truth holds great significance. It reveals falsehoods, deceptions, and the genuine nature of reality. It wasn't until I delved into my recent study of The Noble Eightfold Path (the path to enlightenment) that I recognized the correlation between the right of speech (one of the eight practices) and Wonder Woman's lasso of truth.

Initially, I wasn't a fan of Wonder Woman when I encountered her in the comics. However, after researching her backstory and her evolution in the comics over the decades, I now perceive the superhero in a new light. At first, I perceived the purpose of the lasso as a tool for Wonder Woman to capture her enemies and compel them to tell the truth. Yet, I underestimated the power of truth and the lasso. In the comics, Wonder Woman uses her lasso on her enemies not only to make them confess to the crimes they've committed but also to understand why they committed them. Similar to truth itself, the lasso prompts individuals to contemplate their actions, aiding them in recognizing the consequences of their deeds.

In Wonder Woman: 1984, the antagonist isn't a fierce deity, but a man who has endured a lifetime of suffering. The entire film revolves around characters who believe that the only path to happiness is through the fulfillment of their wishes. From Buddhism, I've learned that where there is wishing, there is longing, and where there is longing, there is sorrow. There is a common misconception that we suffer because we lack what we desire, but even when we attain our desires, we still experience suffering. The film highlights this with a magical stone that grants people their wishes but, in return, takes away what they value most. Throughout the film, we witness that as more wishes are granted, the world descends into chaos, reflecting the consequences of falsehoods. In Pali, a word called "sila" signifies harmony in the context of Buddhism. Sila entails living in a world devoid of false perceptions that deceive us and fosters trust among individuals. Conversely, a world rife with suspicion and mistrust leads to discord.

So, let's uncover the truth. The stone was created by the God of lies, and the wishes granted to people are deceptive. The film also delves into the lies we tell to amass wealth and power and to inflict harm upon others. Two of the antagonists, Maxwell Lord and Barbara Minerva, exemplify how lies not only distort reality but also alter our very essence. Maxwell, originally desiring wealth to escape his circumstances and provide for his son, becomes consumed with the desire for power, distorting his perception of happiness to manipulation. Similarly, Barbara, driven by the craving for power, aspires to become like Diana, at the cost of losing her humanity. This leads to my favorite scene and, in my opinion, the best monologue in the live-action Wonder Woman franchise:

"But he's gone, and that's the truth. And everything has a price. One I'm not willing to pay. Not anymore. This world was a beautiful place just as it was, and you cannot have it all. You can only have the truth. And the truth is enough. The truth is beautiful. So look at this world, and look at what your wish is costing it."

In Buddhism, wisdom lies in realizing the true nature of things. Diana accepts that Steve is gone, rather than clinging to the memory of him. Understanding that everyone's wishes are tied to Maxwell, she employs her lasso to reach the entire world. Diana's speech about embracing the truth embodies Buddhism's right of speech (speaking truthfully), emphasizing that all beings seek happiness and freedom from suffering, leading us to compassion, the ultimate form of love. While Wonder Woman’s lasso of truth compels people to recognize that their wishes will only bring pain and not happiness, ultimately, they all save each other. Wisdom can be imparted, but it is up to us to discern reality from falsehood.

If there's one lesson I've learned from WW:1984 and Buddhism, it's to be true to yourself and others. Understand that the pain you've endured or are enduring is shared by everyone else. Simply acknowledging this is true liberation.