‘Violet (Tales of the Aeons)’ is a work of literary fiction with a science fiction adventure with prominent themes from Japanese literature, however, there are numerous themes, lore, tropes, and parables evoking Buddhism. Below are links to various sites with explanations of prominent Buddhist themes in the story to provide the reader a deeper dive into the threads of ‘Violet (Tales of the Aeons).’

The three main characters, Violet, Kibou, and the Millennium Man each correspond to one the bodhisattvas, Manjushri, Guanyin, and Vajrapani. The three are certainly not fully developed bodhisattvas, however, the three are on the path to become like the image of the three bodhisattvas. Yet, as those proficient with Buddhist themes will note, “I do not exist.” That sentence captures one of the themes of ‘Violet’ that mirrors the interconnections and emptiness of all. Look, explaining emptiness takes entire books, though, from the very first chapter ‘Mu | 無’ the reader is peppered with this core Buddhist theme in the dynamic between characters, absence of figures, and the science fiction technology of brain-brain interface.

How would you save those stuck inside a burning home who cannot fathom the fire? One of the most well-known Buddhist parable is ‘The Parable of the Burning Home’ which is explicitly cited in ‘Violet’ to capture Earth’s and humanity’s perilous position that requires the engagement of a person with advanced knowledge of Saṃsāra. In fact, the entire story of ‘Violet’ is this parable in various iterations. However, ‘The Parable of the Burning Home’ is only one form of Upaya – skillful guidance with incomplete knowledge.