Buddhist Stereotypes

From the movie Discovering Buddhism

Venerable Thubten Dhondrub is a ordain monk from Australia who gives us some insight and thoughts about the mind and its potential. In this video he mentions that the source of suffering comes from within our mind. Yes there are many factors that can contribute to the suffering, but the mind is the main factor when we deal with suffering and happiness. In order to reach happiness, he mentions that we need to change or mind (thought process) so that we can eliminate the negative. The change should not just be a little change because only a little bit of suffering will be eliminated. Later on in the clip he asked a question is it possible to get rid of these disturbing thoughts? They do not go away completely he advised by the will eventually decline in their existence.

I love the demonstration that he presented at the end as well. He was shaking the cup of water to show how the water was being aggregated because of a factor, Dhondrub moving the water back and forth. When he set the cup down the water was able to settle, which shows that once we eliminate the factor that is aggravating us, the suffering, then we can be calm and happy.

This clip from the movie, Discovering Buddhism, related to the book Zen wrapped in karma dipped in chocolate, by Brad Warner, in a couple of ways. Warner mention that there are a lot of people in this world scamming and telling people that they can reach the state of enlightenment in just a few days which is absolute false. One of the scams he mention was, “according to one of these people, his trademarked technique will give you an authentic kensho or satoru experience in which you realize your True Nature just like Buddha did under the Bodhi Tree in a single half day session” (p.27). Enlightenment is not an overnight type of event, reaching enlightenment takes time. This passage related to my clip that I chose because in order to reach enlightenment your mind needs to be clear of all things negative. And just like enlightenment it takes time to learn to clear your mind from suffering and negative thoughts.

Buddhist Stereotypes

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WORLDLY SUCCESS AND LIBERATION

When comparing worldly success (aim two) and liberation (aim four), I would have to say that worldly success is definitely more prevalent. In our society today money and fame is very glorified. Everyone is trying to make it “big” and be that super star. My first song I chose was 90210 by Wale. The opening of the song is very powerful and in my opinion it is demonstrate how some people long for this worldly success and how far they are willing to go. It states,  “And she throws up whatever she eats,  She leave the bathroom with a nose bleed, Regular girl, Celebrity dreams ,She is...90210 She live her whole life like TV And she would do anything for everything, Regular girl, Celebrity dreams, She is...90210.” Liberation songs are not as popular as singing about getting money, cars, clothes, and the fame but they can have the same powerful effect.  One song that I chosen that I feel is very uplifting and liberating was a song by Christina Aguilera called fighter. The song is talking finding strength after being in a relationship that was not positive. My favorite part in the song is when she states, “Cause if it wasn't for all, That you tried to do, I wouldn't know just how capable I am to pull through, So I wanna say thank you.” That to me is a great example of liberation.

While doing this assignment I was not surprised by much of anything. I think that our culture way of thinking is kind of jacked up. Instead of singing about money, cars, clothes, and getting pleasure, like I discussed in my last blog about pleasure (aim one), I think our culture needs to start singing songs that uplift people, our community, and this world. People always hollering that we need change and that children now and days are getting out of hand, well look at the people who is influencing them. We are sitting here allowing this to be glorified instead of positive things that can help our community and make a difference. I think that is the difference between our culture and Hinduism understanding of the four aims.

LIBERATION

1. KELLY CLARKSON "SINCE YOU BEEN GONE" POP, 2004
2. JAZMINE SULLIVAN "10 SECONDS" R&B, 2010
3. MARY MARY "CANT GIVE UP NOW" GOSPEL, 2000
4. LADY GAGA "BORN THIS WAY" POP, 2011
5. CHRISTINA AGUIILERA "FIGHTER" POP, 2002

WORLDLY SUCCESS

1. WALE "90210" HIP-HOP, 2010
2. DRAKE "SUCCESSFUL" HIP-HOP, 2009
3. LILY ALLEN "THE FEAR" POP, 2008
4. JAY-Z FT. BEYONCE "HOLLYWOOD" HIP-HOP, 2006
5. FERGIE "GLAMOROUS" POP, 2007