When I was seven years old, I went to the TM (Transcendental Meditation) Center in Dallas to receive my “walking mantra” and learned the standard TM technique at twelve (the youngest you can learn). Several famous people practice TM, including David Lynch (RIP), Katy Perry, Jerry Seinfeld, and the Beatles, just to name a few.
My favorite David Lynch movie is Mulholland Drive (2001); however, he also directed a movie adaptation of the Dune book in 1984. My current animation project, Arrackeen Nights, is also based on this book by Frank Herbert. Dune features numerous spiritual and religious elements which the newest version of the film glosses over. The 2021 film makes it seem like Lady Jessica and Paul are almost “running game” on the Freeman.
The book paints a very different picture of “Mentats” and “Bene Gesserit” individuals attaining a high level of spiritual and mental ability. These, combined with the Islamic and Native American spiritual undertones, are why Dune is such an interesting and important work of literature. Frank Herbert succeeded in elevating science fiction to new heights and paved the way for the “Sith/Jedi” in Star Wars.
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