Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

'Urban Monk' Explores Meaning of Life Through Matrix at Land Yoga

By Gustavo Solis | August 12, 2015 4:08pm
 The yoga studio on Frederick Douglass Boulevard is hosting a workshop that blends The Matrix and Eastern philosophy Thursday Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
The yoga studio on Frederick Douglass Boulevard is hosting a workshop that blends The Matrix and Eastern philosophy Thursday Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
View Full Caption
Facebook/Land Yoga

HARLEM — This is your chance to take the red pill.

A Hare Krishna monk turned author is presenting a workshop that blends modern sci-fi with ancient wisdom to explore existential questions such as “Why are we here?” and "What is the purpose and meaning of life?"

Gadadhara Pandit Dasa, author of Urban Monk, will host the "Living in the Matrix" workshop at Land Yoga in 2116 Frederick Douglass Bvld. Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

“In the workshop he will talk about the deeper meaning behind the scenes of the Matrix and how they use Eastern philosophy,” said the studio's owner Lara Land.

People will get truffle popcorn from 67 Orange Street as they watch clips from the 1999 sci-fi classic and learn about some of the philosophy behind the film. The event is meant to appeal to those interested in Eastern philosophy or Keanu Reeves, she added.

“It’s open to anyone,” she said. “You don’t have to know anything about yoga or Eastern philosophy. Obviously the Matrix is a cult class so it’s also open to anyone who is into the film.”

The workshop costs $30.

Land Yoga got in touch with the monk when he led a mediation during a yoga festival they held in the Spring. It was after that meeting that they decided to invite him to their studio to give one of his most popular presentations, Land said.

It’s not uncommon for the yoga studio on Frederick Douglass Boulevard to host non-yoga events like art openings, music performances and film screenings.

“We are very eclectic in the kind of programing that we offer,” she said.