The first thing which sticks out in this picture is that both of them have one eye open and the other shut, don’t think this a stereotype but does indicate a way of wrong practice. Contrary to popular belief, Buddhist are not necessarily encouraged to meditate with flowers, incents, or fragrances. This is one the biggest stereotypes about Buddhism as indicated in the picture of Lisa from The Simpsons. The interest of Buddhism is to live a life of minimalism and simplicity. Meaning the less you have the better and effective of a human being you can be. Their belief of disassociation from people and things can also apply to the belief of not using incents and such.
In reading Brad Warners’ “Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate” there was a specific example of this in “Altered States in an Isolation Tank”. “… As I lay there I attempted to establish the state of mind you get in zazen practice.”(Pg. 155paragraph3) There was no mention of incents or any other excessive thing to “enhance” his meditation as he did so. Also, the idea of minimalism and simplicity is exemplified in the chapter “Your Life Is Not Your Own”. The stereotype of using flowers probably derived from the stories of Buddha’s birth and the raining down of lotus flowers. However, as far as the using of incents I do not have any theory’s or assumptions to where they came from. In addition to the concept of minimalism, Buddhist also believe in the concept of preservation of life. Meaning the plucking flowers and making of incents and oils would be considered a “misuse” of nature. This “killing” of plants and such would be deemed as unnecessary in Buddhist religion.
Americans have a way of taking things and twisting them to satisfy our lifestyles, the idea of maximizing things to the fullest and pop culture of HYPE. We think “the bigger the better”. Our “microwave generation” no more appreciations hard work or devotion but naturally EXPECT things came easy in life. Not to say that this is necessarily negative, but the system is more interested in basic one step innovation rather than the past time of CONSISTANT hard work. There is NO surprise that the use of flowers and incents was stereotypically incorporated into Buddhism and eastern traditions of meditation by Americans. We want to be most comfortable and engage in pleasurable deeds as much as possible (look at first blog post). If possible, we find ways in our life to keep from renunciating by creating loop holes: practicing a TRUE Buddhist lifestyle maybe a task in the western world.
I though it was interesting that you picked up on the dead plant aspect of Buddhist meditation. Americans do have a different way of viewing nature then Buddhists and I feel that your using this in this assignment is interesting because it isn't something that I saw as an important aspect when I was reading
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a very interesting way to look at a stereotype and the detail put into your example is great. I would have never thought about something like a plant being inserted as a stereotype but looking at what we have learned in class, a true buddhist monk would definately look at a flower as something that did not need to 'die' in order to better their meditation. Very good point because this is definately something I would have never considered!
ReplyDeleteI thought your insight on this stereotype was insightful. you not only looked at the obvious stereotype but the hidden ones as well. Although Americans like to interpret other cultural ways, some take and and practice it in a different form and that does not follow true Buddhism
ReplyDeleteI like how you first mention that Lisa and the other guy (I'm guessing it's Richard Gere) have one eye open while meditating. I think the biggest misconception about Buddhism in the West is the actual practice of rituals and what not. Obviously, a Buddhist monk could not reach any sort of peace or Nirvana during meditation if his/her eye is open, looking at his neighbor. This image is a great representation of how Americans typically practice Buddhism incorrectly or half-assed.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your statement about how "Americans have a way of taking things and twisting them to satisfy our lifestyles, the idea of maximizing things to the fullest and pop culture of HYPE." Brad Warner points out in his book that Buddhism became trendy in the Western world not so long ago. There are little figurines of Buddha found every where now. Wheter it be in a club, or on top of a person's coffee table, it's like the Buddha is being is simply being used as decoration. This must anger Buddhist because the Buddha is an icon for their religion. As reflected in the picture that you posted, Americans are sort of ignorant when it comes to knowing the true meaning of Buddhism. We try to immitate it by portraying "zen like qualities." We are very unsuccessful with doing so.
ReplyDeleteWhy is levitation always associated with buddhist meditation? Not saying it's impossible to levitate, but the idea of levitation always seem to be associated with meditation. I know this wasn't one of the stereotypes you got from the pic, but i just wanted to point that out.
ReplyDeleteI like how you first observed Lisa and the other guy as they were "trying"to meditate. The inclusion of flowers, fragrance and incense goes against what Buddhism teaches because like you mentioned the interest of Buddhism is to live a life of simplicity.
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