The power of redemption stories: Vegeta from DBZ

[Anthony]

Came across this:

I haven't watched a lot of anime, but from what I've seen, some of them have more soul than anything found in the West. I guess anime can be degenerate like anything else, but there are several that have good messages on courage, friendship, love, etc.

 

[AnotherEddy]

I feel similarly about Naruto, there's a lot of goofiness but the themes can be powerful, and universal. Like Jiraiya's life dream, wanting to end the cycle of hatred and violence in the ninja world, a dream Naruto shared too.

Naruto's answer in some sense is super basic and simple, it's just to insist he would 'take on the hatred of the world by himself', 'never give up', and 'believe it' (lol). As I've thought more about the parallel of the 'cycle of hatred' in our world, I think there's a lot of wisdom in Naruto's actions. One way he 'took on the hatred of the world' was to fight flashy battles yes, but more important imo was to turn the cheek, like when he let Karui beat him up. For context and reminder, Karui is another ninja in the anime, one who wanted revenge on someone Naruto cared for deeply (Sasuke). If Naruto had fought her then, he would be continuing the cycle. There was no reasoning with the rage that fueled her and drove her to revenge. Naruto chose to absorb her rage instead.

What does this do in the story? Initially nothing, it seems irrational and humiliating. But over time it allowed there to be trust that Naruto was genuine, that when he dreamt of building a world where there was balance and peace and cooperation between the 'ninja nations', he wasn't trying to deceive. It allowed trust to grow, and that's a key to ending (or disrupting) the cycle of hatred.

I also think Guy Sensei is inspiring lol, and the final fight he had was poetic in a way, it legit made me cry (granted I was high, but still).

 

[Oxajil]

One of the memorable scenes from Dragonball Z is when Vegeta is possessed by a wizard. He was ordered to kill another character. But he refused: "It will take more than head games to stop me. You may have invaded my mind and my body, but there's one thing a Saiyan always keeps... his PRIDE!". The wizard was shocked, saying: "This has never happened to me before. Since when can the possessed say no to the possessor?" It kind of goes in line with how discipline and willpower can help someone overcome negative thoughts, or even perhaps thoughts inspired by attachments (i.e. Don Juan's quote: "All we can do is discipline ourselves to the point where they will not touch us.")

Some of the comments under the video:

I suffered with depression ...and this very scene helps me everyday to deal with mind games ... its so powerful ...thank you to the creator of dragonball franchise to help many of us to overcome out demons ...this is more than just a Anime

This may sound cringy to people who don't get it, but this really helps against inner demons from depression. Been kicking depression's ass tremendously for the last year.

This is how i feel when i resist my addictions.

i was diagnosed with CRPS and this scene means so much to me. I refuse to let this disease take control of me. Vegeta is also my favorite charachter ever

This is always my go to inspiration when struggling with obsessive thoughts!

Of course, there are many shows that people pull inspiration from. But I think there's a reason why this show resonated with millions around the world. Though I'm probably biased as nostalgia plays a role in my case.

I remember seeing a meme a long time ago that said "This is what 90s kids watched: Dragonball Z. Kids nowadays: Peppa the pig", I thought that was funny. Yeah, it was bloody, there was a lot of fighting and killing, but there was friendship, relationship, defined gender roles (men being the protectors, women being the caretakers and supporters), humor, and the desire to protect Earth and its people from evil. My most favorite character is also Vegeta, others are Goku, Piccolo, Broly (from one of the recent movies) and Future Trunks in the Goku Black saga. Especially Trunks' quote when he defeated Zamasu:

"When mortals do join forces, that's when we can do anything. Because believing in our fellow men and helping each other to survive... that's what redeems us. That's what makes us who we are, makes us worthy. That's what gives us our real power!"

(Fun fact: The person who did the voice over for Zamasu played Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.)

Another great scene:

It probably sounds cringe to some people, but I think it's a cool and inspiring show.

Being moved by Trunks and Mai's story in the Goku Black saga and all the difficulties they went through, I wanted to see them in happier times, so I made this drawing a long time ago (using a reference of course).

 

[A Jay]

One of the memorable scenes from Dragonball Z is when Vegeta is possessed by a wizard. He was ordered to kill another character. But he refused: "It will take more than head games to stop me. You may have invaded my mind and my body, but there's one thing a Saiyan always keeps... his PRIDE!". The wizard was shocked, saying: "This has never happened to me before. Since when can the possessed say no to the possessor?" It kind of goes in line with how discipline and willpower can help someone overcome negative thoughts, or even perhaps thoughts inspired by attachments (i.e. Don Juan's quote: "All we can do is discipline ourselves to the point where they will not touch us.")

While the line that follows what you quoted doesn't hit as hard as the pride line, it could be argued that it's it's the best one of the bunch:

"What kind of strength allows a person to fight against and overpower their own enslaved body?"

Reflecting on this question could lead to answers that help deal with and overcome self-limiting beliefs, self-defeating habits, and more.