This picture portrays three monks meditating and pretending to be enlightened for their Zen master. The picture may be accurate on some accounts and there are probably some instances where Buddhist monks actually look like they do in this picture. There are a couple of stereotypes portrayed in this like the stereotypes that the all Buddhists monks have to be bald and that they always just wear those robes. While many may be bald it is not a requirement for the monks to be bald and monks do not always have to wear those robes some just wear the robes for their meditation session and then change afterword’s.
While these stereotypes may be true in some cases all Buddhists monks and other Buddhists practitioners fit into this stereotype like Warner said, “Authentic Buddhism doesn’t always come packaged the way we imagine it should.” So basically anybody can practice Buddhism without having to try and fit into this mold that stereotypes have created about Buddhism.
This is funny. It kind of reinforces the idea that zen masters and students are not equals... which i think is wrong in many aspects. Or that the students practice in order to please their teacher. which would not accomplish anything!
ReplyDeleteThis was pretty funny. It highlights a stereotype that there is an “enlightened look” someone has to have on their face in order to be a practicing Buddhist. I never really realized it until now but I have that stereotype in my head. To me, the "zenned-out" look is a really placid, unchanging, serene facial expression.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the funnier blog posts that I have seen. I think its great that there is a stereotype of Buddhists being blissfully happy and "glowing" all of the time. I wish I could have a "zen glow". =)
ReplyDeleteFunny stuff. Makes me wonder if the artist was commenting on whether he/she thought Buddhism is full of it. Good example though, and I don't doubt there are Buddhists in America that only pretend to be enlightened.
ReplyDeleteI like this picture. The monks pretending to be enlightened makes Buddhism look like it's just a joke. I feel like the "students" are those mischievous troublemakers that we have to deal with in elementary school.
ReplyDelete