Thread by @TypicalJAnt

One Piece Theory

A Story of Enlightenment

#ONEPIECE #Theory

This theory will explore concepts that i've already touched on in other theories. The main topic will be analysing these themes and highlighting the connection between all of them.

Here are the other threads that provide the context for these observations & concepts. -

I'll try my best to make it easy to follow without reading all those other threads, but i'd recommend it as it will make this easier to follow.

The first thing to address is the theme of, 'The Light'. We can now tell that this concept works as a metaphor for the memory of truth. The World Government erase a 'light' whenever the truth gets too close to being discovered.

This theme of the light is accompanied by the theme of memories. Throughout the story, we get different implications of people losing their memories and the importance of people being remembered.

Most notably Dr Hiriluk's quote & Sugar's power from Dressrosa.

These two concepts together combine to create the idea that 'the light' represents the memories of forgotten truths and that this idea of memories being lost connects directly to the concept of the, 'Great Cleansing.'

With this in mind, it becomes quite clear that this 'light' primarily signifies the, 'True History'. The existence of the Ancient Kingdom & the events of the Void Century.

But why are the World Government so desperate to ensure that no one learns this history and no one finds the, One Piece?

This may connect to the concept of gods and false gods.

We know now that the winged races that came from the moon city of, Birka, came down to the, 'Blue Planet', seeking natural resources.

These winged races settled in various places, such as Skypiea, Jaya & the Red Line. All of these places became known as 'Holy Land'.

The fact that the Lunarian land was stolen from them at the same time as Shandora was destroyed in the battle to protect the, Poneglyphs, tells us that there was a previous Great Cleansing.

This one was done in order to erase the existence of those who become known as 'Gods'

This brings us to the idea that Imu & the Celestial Dragons are false gods & that they stole their godhood from the winged races.

This concept is alluded to in Skypiea, in a dialogue between, Enel & Gan Fall.

But why was it that Imu wanted to become a god? What's so important about this specifically & how does it connect to the, True History & the One Piece?

This brings us back to the idea that, Oda, is referencing Masonic mythology in One Piece.

The concept of stone masons (Kozuki) who created encoded messages in stone tablets, is a direct reference to the mythology that the Free Masons are the protectors of, 'The Ancient Wisdom.'

Known in some scriptures as, 'Solomon's Wisdom.'

There are many who believe that this ancient wisdom is the way for man to achieve, 'Apotheosis' and transcend mortality to become a god.

This may be insightful into how Imu thinks of themselves.

However, this concept of apotheosis in the Mason myth is a very westernised and twisted version of older eastern mythology.

The concept is strikingly similar to the Buddhist concept of achieving, 'Enlightenment.'

In most sects of Buddhist belief, the tradition of believing in the, 'six realms cycle of rebirth', known in Sanskrit as, 'Samsara.' Can be escaped by achieving, 'Enlightenment' & escaping, Samsara, to transcend to a state of, 'Nirvana' (perfection)

Interestingly, the idea of 'realms' existing in, One Piece, has actually been mentioned. In chapter, 908. One of the Gorosei mentions, 'The lower realms'.

It seems likely that Oda is also making reference to this.

With this in mind, it connects us back to the theme of, 'The Light' & 'The Dawn.' Now it can be understood that these things are metaphors for enlightenment.

This, 'enlightenment', will happen when the, 'True History', is revealed by the, One Piece being found.

This idea would also connect to the theme of, 'The Will of D.' & go some ways to giving us insight into why they do not fear death & are always smiling when they do die. Perhaps they are happy to escape this, 'Samsara.'

Those who are enlightened can escape the cycle of rebirth

Before reaching the conclusion, let's go back to the concept of, 'Apotheosis', the belief that enlightenment to ancient wisdoms can allow man to transcend to godhood.

The powers that most associate with this transcendence do exist in, One Piece, in a way through, Haki.

It may be that Imu claims to have attained 'Apotheosis'

The truth is likely that enlightenment to the ancient wisdoms doesn't make anyone a god. The truth is that they are the 'True History.'

The One Piece is Joyboy's Wisdom.

A book