Image courtesy of: http://www.toonpool.com/user/1688/files/buddhist_compliment_321115.jpg
By definition, a stereotype is a popular belief about a specific group of people. Further research into what makes up a specific stereotype finds that stereotypes can either be positive or negative. For this particular assignment, I found there to be an equal number of images that depict Buddhists in both a positive and negative way. For this assignment, I chose an image depicting Buddhism in a negative manner. The image shows a Buddhist master paying a compliment to one of his students. The Master tells the student that he has never seen someone so thoughtless. Delighted with the compliment, the student graciously thanks his Master. This particular image misleads non-Buddhist into thinking that all Buddhist followers are thoughtless. When someone does not study Buddhism, they might take this depiction the wrong way. The American definition of someone who is thoughtless might be someone who only thinks about themselves or someone that might be stupid. For Buddhists, being thoughtless means having controlled thoughts, a completely different understanding from western cultures.
According to the website, The Basic Teachings of Buddhism , control of the mind is very important. Emphasis is placed on controlling your thoughts to only one subject at a time, or to free your mind from any thoughts at all and just "be as you are". By controlling one's thoughts, one can be truly at peace. Mind control can be practiced through meditation and breathing exercises. By focus on breathing, the mind does not wander. '
In Brad Warner's book, Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate, there are many instances where he exposes the stereotypes that Americans place on Buddhism. In chapter 6, "The Abuse of Power in Zen", Brad talks about how many Zen Masters abuse their knowledge of Buddhism to profit on those who are drawn to its practices. In my opinion, this mis- information only allows these so called "Zen Masters" to profit on things that they really do not know anything about; therefore, reinforcing the stereotypes that Americans have of Buddhist followers. "Too often the spiritual leader will try his best to be what his followers expect him to be. He may do so because he's full of himself and truly believes that he is god's gift to the world. But usually that's not the case." (p 35) A true Buddhist teacher would not think that they were god's gift to the world. They would simply believe that their purpose in life is to teach Buddhist principles and spread messages of good will towards man. Why would someone fall for this? Doesn't this just reinforce a stereotype?
I actually picked the same picture for my blog. The reason I picked it was because I found it funny that the cartoon could be taken both negatively and positively. From a Buddhist view point, the compliment means he's good at clearing his mind. Which is critical for them. However, from the American view point, we see the thoughtlessness as inactivity. Which we look down upon.
ReplyDeleteBesides the fact that i found this cartoon funny, I completely agree with Daniela regarding the thoughtless state of mind as inactivity. That was the first thing that came to mind when I saw this. And you bring a good point, being thoughless means to be in complete control of your thoughts and not the other way around like many would think.
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