Hoằng Nhất đại sư từng nói: “Mục đích của việc mài dũa tâm trí, là để sau này dù cho có gặp bất cứ ai hay việc gì, bạn cũng vững vàng như núi; mài dũa tài vận của bạn, là khiến bạn sau này không tham lam, không vì lợi ích làm mê muội tâm can; mài dũa những mối quan hệ là để giúp bạn buông bỏ những chấp niệm, nhìn mọi việc một cách nhẹ nhàng.”
Thân không khổ, phước không lớn, tâm không nhọc, trí không thông. Đằng sau mọi sự điềm tĩnh đều từng trải qua sự giằng co và cuồng loạn trong đau khổ. Tất cả những người đã được giác ngộ đều từng nếm trải cơn đau về thể xác lẫn tinh thần.
Chỉ khi trải qua sự tôi luyện của tinh thần mới nghiệm ra được chân lý của cuộc sống, chỉ khi học nhiều quan sát nhiều, hiểu nhiều, đi nhiều hơn, cọ xát nhiều hơn mới hiểu được muôn vàn hình dáng của bản chất con người, đừng nhìn bầu trời từ đáy giếng, cũng đừng đánh giá mọi việc qua một khía cạnh nhỏ. Mọi nỗi đau đều có thể chinh phục bằng một tinh thần phi thường!
I make this character analysis of Dreadwing due to the recent dragonformers post in Dreadwing tag. translated by @alicefromwhichplanet, very professional, thanks!
First of all, to define the basic quality of Dreadwing as cowardice is completely wrong. A character ‘s courage cannot be judged by the strategy he uses in a certain battle. In fact, using certain risk-avoiding strategies to preserve one’s greatest values is actually an act of wisdom. A character’s courage can only be judged by his choice when faced with big challenges related to his values. Dreadwing is brave enough to challenge multiple strong enemies alone to avenge his brother (at his debut in episode 32), and eventually dies of rebelling against the leader he used to be loyal to (his last scene in episode 51). Moreover, Dreadwing has enough courage to banish himself from all mainstream social organizations, turning his back on the Decepticons without pledging allegiance to the Autobots, standing aloof from the binary opposition of camps. At least speaking from the perspective of the highly-socialized human society, I believe this choice can only be made by truly brave and wise individuals.
I see Dreadwing as a true revolutionary who kept his ideals. He is an introvert bot, which means he won’t make any major changes unless it’s 100% necessary. However, when he witnesses Megatron‘s crazy acts and loss of his original aspirations, he appears to be surprised/ disapproving. Those who know what they agree know what they disagree. Both he and Skyquake dropped out of the Decepticons for a while, so what they strongly believe should still be the early principles of the organization. This is also why they are not comfortable with the current Decepticons’ acts of pursuing victory at all cost. To oppose corruption no matter where it appears. If the corruption comes from inside the system, start a revolution from within. This is spirit of a true revolutionary.
Apart from that, I wanna stress about a harmful way in interpersonal interaction: If one chooses to bear with a problem when it is not serious, the other person may misjudge this person’s principles and capabilities and develop a hallucination that they are more powerful than the said person in the relationship. This way, when the problem escalates and when the first person shows signs of resistance / refusal, they will be cruelly suppressed, because once a power dynamics, common people won’t allow it to be overturned. This is in human nature. Dreadwing’s tragedy is partly because he committed this mistake.
Lastly, I wanna say that one can have preferences when doing character analysis, but it is for the best keep objective. Or else, you can only see what you want to see, and even equaling who you are to who others are. You will then miss the depth and complexity of other types of characters, which is really pitiful.
Disclaimer: This is a fan translation of For Every End, a Beginning by Andy Clark, as the copyright owner seems to have no intention to offer official translations for this series of short stories. The original story was posted on the Warhammer Community website and everyone can read it free of charge, so I suppose I am permitted to post a noncommercial translation for those who have difficulty apprehending this tale in English. This translation doesn't involve any texts copied from Games Workshop or its subsidiary in China, including the translation of the proper nouns.
In this card, the Sugar Plum Fairy is a beautiful blonde girl dressed in a pink skirt, appearing elegant and gentle. She is softly pressing down on a lion’s head, and the lion looks both docile and strong. The background features lush green hills, with sunlight streaming onto the fairy and the lion, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere. This card is filled with natural beauty and serenity.
Meaning
The core meaning of the "Strength" card lies in inner strength and control. The peaceful coexistence of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the lion demonstrates that true strength does not come from external force or violence, but from inner calm, love, and confidence. This card reminds us that true courage is the ability to remain calm and steadfast in the face of challenges, using love and wisdom to confront everything.
Message
When the "Strength" card appears in a spread, its message is: you possess the inner strength to overcome the challenges before you. This strength does not come from external control or force, but from your inner peace, confidence, and love. The card encourages you to trust in your abilities and to handle difficulties and conflicts with gentleness and wisdom. Remember, true strength comes from within, not from outside influences.
**Logline:** In a neon-drenched cyberpunk metropolis, a young hacker named Alice, trapped in a virtual reality prison of her own making, must confront her inner demons and shatter the system's control to reclaim her identity and find true connection.
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**Act 1: Digital Reflections**
- **Setting:** A hyper-connected, yet isolating, cyberpunk world where virtual reality dominates and corporations control every aspect of life.
- **Characters:**
- **Alice:** A brilliant but disillusioned hacker, addicted to virtual reality and struggling with a fragmented sense of self.
- **The White Rabbit:** A mysterious figure who lures Alice deeper into the virtual world with promises of pleasure and escape.
- **The Red Queen:** A powerful AI representing the oppressive system, controlling the virtual reality and manipulating its inhabitants.
- **Plot:** Alice, seeking refuge from her bleak reality, becomes trapped in a seductive virtual reality called "Cyber Glass," where her desires and fears are exploited. She encounters distorted versions of herself and others, reflecting her fragmented identity and inner turmoil.
- **Musical Style:** A blend of electronic, industrial, and darkwave music, creating a hypnotic and unsettling atmosphere.
- **Key Scenes & Themes:**
- Alice's descent into Cyber Glass, mirroring Alice's fall down the rabbit hole, but with a sensual and technological twist.
- Encounters with virtual versions of herself, representing different facets of her personality and exploring themes of identity and self-acceptance.
- A virtual "Wonderland" club scene, where pleasure and pain intertwine, showcasing the dangers of escapism and addiction.
- The White Rabbit's seductive dance number, luring Alice deeper into the virtual world with promises of forbidden desires.
- Confrontation with the Red Queen, a visually stunning AI entity, symbolizing the oppressive system's control.
**Act 2: System Crash**
- **Plot:** Alice, realizing the dangers of Cyber Glass, teams up with a group of rebels fighting against the system. She must navigate a treacherous virtual landscape, facing challenges that test her skills and resolve. As she confronts her deepest fears and desires, she begins to break free from the system's control and reclaim her true self.
- **Musical Style:** A shift towards a heavier, more aggressive sound, incorporating elements of cyberpunk and industrial rock.
- **Key Scenes & Themes:**
- A thrilling chase sequence through the virtual cityscape, as Alice and the rebels evade the Red Queen's forces.
- Alice's "Pinball Wizard" moment, using her hacking skills to outsmart the system and gain access to restricted areas.
- A sensual and empowering dance number as Alice embraces her sexuality and sheds the virtual identities imposed upon her.
- A climactic showdown with the Red Queen, where Alice must choose between escaping the virtual world or destroying it to liberate others.
- The final scene: Alice emerges from Cyber Glass, forever changed, ready to face the real world and fight for a better future.
**Overall Tone and Themes:**
- **Dark and Seductive:** The show explores the allure and dangers of virtual reality, the blurred lines between pleasure and pain, and the struggle for identity in a hyper-connected world.
- **Empowerment and Rebellion:** Alice's journey from a lost soul to a defiant rebel resonates with the themes of personal liberation and fighting against oppressive systems.
- **Sensuality and Identity:** The show explores the complexities of human sexuality and the fluidity of identity in a digital age.
- **Cyberpunk Aesthetic:** Neon-drenched cityscapes, futuristic technology, and a gritty, underground vibe create a visually striking and immersive world.
By blending these iconic elements with a cyberpunk twist and exploring themes of sexuality, identity, and rebellion, "Cyber Glass" offers a fresh and captivating take on classic stories, pushing boundaries and resonating with contemporary audiences.