Peaches and Shito

        In this segment of the film, I watched two demonstrations of reverence that correlate with the Shinto tradition. The first was the respect shown for family. The young boy brings food to his older sister and her friends without looking for reward. This shows the Confucian inspired sense of duty to elders even older siblings. Though he lashes out and she kicks him out, she likewise displays the utmost concern for his well-being. The brother-sister, younger-older relationship seen here emphasizes the Shinto importance of family.  The other form of respect was respect towards nature. The peach tree spirits chastise the young boy because his family cut down the trees from the orchard. This a grave sin according to Shinto Ethics. The head spirit dismisses his tears as crying over the loss of peaches rather than the trees. The boy responds passionately saying that anyone can buy a beach but no one can buy an orchard in bloom. He truly appreciates the true intangible gifts of the world. The young boy’s understanding for the sacredness of nature fits with Shinto. In the Shinto tradition, everything is spiritual and there is no distinction between humanity, nature, and kamis. This idea is personified when the dancing spirits turn into peach trees for a split second before they disappear and only the stumps remain. The spirits' behavior represents that they themselves are not perfect but carry a range of emotions like anger, happiness, and compassion. This could relate to the Shinto idea that the Other Worlds where the human spirit can be with Kami is neither utopian or tortuous but a blend like our world is.

Tao of Pooh

The Tao of Pooh was a unique way to bring an Eastern tradition into Western perspective by comparing its doctrine to Winnie the Pooh, a core of American culture. I loved the way Hoff analyzes each character. I most enjoyed his twist on the most lovable character, Pooh. Pooh, though the fan favorite is often labeled as silly and foolish. Pooh is wrongly an underestimated. Pooh doesn’t try to fight his position in life. He tastes life as sweet no matter how bitter it may be. For instance, Pooh understands the beauty in waking up in the morning and simply having breakfast, while Piglet hopes something exciting will happen.

            To discuss American culture, Hoff uses Christopher Robin’s note, ‘Bisy Backson’, to describe Americans as always in a rush never having time to relax in the small moments. I find this insight as true but nothing revolutionary. The other Eastern traditions we have studied this semester point out the same flaw.  The innate patience of Buddhism as shown in  Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate contrasted heavily with the American racing, pulsing spiritual game. However, I felt Hoff delved further in the hurried American way. He sees bisy backsons as constantly chasing something that is not allocated for them by natural law. I strongly support this statement. From just watching American idol, you always see delusional contest with absolutely no talent. Singing does not come naturally to all people. American culture heavily supports that no dream is impossible and that all people are created equal.

            I have mixed feelings towards Taoism as the cure for the problem of American culture. On one hand, I believe that a more laissez-faire attitude towards life will bring more happiness to the nation.  However, I have concerns. I worry that without a competitive, slightly narcissistic drive innovation would be at a stand still. Innovation supports the globe as it is. If we stop trying to change the natural order of life, we wouldn’t able to fight the famine or disease. Innovation should be a necessary evil for Taoists. Additionally, innovation and imagination go hand in hand. I worry that children will be discouraged from dreaming.

Buddhism Stereotypes

image source: http://www.peta.org/b/thepetafiles/archive/tags/Buddhist/default.aspx
 Richard Gere and the Dalai Lama

Brad Warner:

image source: http://www.brightestyoungthings.com/interviews/hardcore-zen-an-interview-with-punk-rock-zen-master-brad-warner/

Modern American celebrities are made famous not just for their talent but also for their nonconformity, which ranges from wearing meat dresses (Lady Gaga) to following non-mainstream religions (Tom Cruise and Sciencetology).  America is hailed as the global melting pot that is increasingly becoming more influenced by Eastern Culture. Despite this shift, Buddhism is still scene as foreign or reserved for the elite who can afford to find Nirvana. Buddhism along with many other religions like Kabbalah is seen as a hobby for the wealthy Americans especially famous ones. If you were to ask to the average American to name a fellow America who practiced Buddhism, Richard Gere pops into mind. Richard Gere is publicized as the icon of American Buddhism. He often makes headlines for meeting with his teacher, the Dalia Lama or for heading activist campaigns or even for creating international gossip when he kissed Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty that got him charged with indecency. I was amazed by the number of pictures of him and the Dalai Lama I found on google from just searching “Richard Gere”. The average American would not answer Brad Warner, who isn't publicized as widely and if in the rare case he is, he isn't casually featured with the Dalai Lama. I fit that stereotype. Before I read Zen Wrapped In Karma Dipped In Chocolate, I would not have imagined a punk rocker like Wagner to be a Buddhist. Wagner himself declares, “for way too long Buddhism has been the exclusive province” (Wagner 115). Wagner goes on to describe this as the stereotype  for whiny intellectuals but I believe this also applies to celebrities. Celebrities can be seen as wanting to further themselves from the average American. I think a reason why celebrities or the wealthy are seen as Buddhists is because Buddhism takes a lot of intensive time devotion and they are the only ones who are seen to have the time and the resources to train as a Buddhist. Americans led the most hectic, rushed lifestyles on the planet. Thus, we require cultures that pinpoint only few religious annual celebrations but still feel like we belong to a religion.  

Fame/Wealth/Liberation Songs

Jeremih, "Imma Star", Rap, 2009
Pussycat Dolls, "When I Grow Up", Pop, 2008
Travie McCoy, "Billionaire", Hip Hop/Reggae, 2010
 N*SYNC, "Celebrity", Pop, 2001
Drake, "Successful", R&B, 2010

Liberation Songs

Boys Like Girls," The Great Escape", Rock, 2006
Linkin Park, "Runaway", Rock, 2000
Akon, "Freedom", R&B, 2009
Mumford and Sons, "The Cave", Folk, 2010
Nelly Furtado, "I'm Like A Bird", Pop, 2000

As I said last week in our individualistic and materialistic society, finding songs circling money/glory/fame is easy. However, in many of the songs I found I repeatedly heard the same message about the dangers and negative repercussions of fame. In this aspect, American views on fame coincide with the Hindu view that fame is temporary, competitive, and precarious. However, modern music also discusses the rumors and betrayals accompanied by fame. I think this inclusion is due to the development gossip outlets like news, paparazzi, etc. Additionally, many artists who sing about fame mention an impoverished past, implying that their current fame is redemption from their previous poor lifestyle. Songs on liberation were not as hard to find as community service songs. However, the American view on liberation varies greatly from the Hindu ideal. Liberation according to American music is about running away from your troubles and past. Moksha, on the other hand, means ultimate happiness, completion, and oneness. Because freedom in America is thought of as escape it is often an impulsive, fast route. In Hinduism, achieving moksha can take not only a whole lifetime but also several life times.  A possibly reason behind Americans seeking a quick release is because the common American believes in a single lifetime. Also, most Americans seek a comfortable lifestyle above all else so when the world isn’t going our way it is time to move on rather than understand that struggles are a part of living.

Pleasure Songs

Nelly, "Ride Wit Me", Rap, 2000.
Justin Bieber, "Love Me", Pop, 2009
Birdman, "Pop Bottles", Rap, 2007
Secondhand Serenade, "Fall For You", Emo/Pop, 2008
Amy Winehouse, "Addicted", Soul/R&B, 2008

Community Serivce Songs

Justin Bieber, "Pray," Pop, 2010

Michael Jackson, "Heal The World", Pop, 1991

Backstreet Boys, "Children Need A Helping Hand", Pop, 1997

Levi John, "People Helping People", Pop. 2003.

Embedded video: Jackson 5, "Give Love On Christmas Day", Pop/R&B, 1970

Definitely, finding songs about pleasure was easier. I didn't have to go far back in music history to find songs about pleasure surrounding love, drugs, alcohol, and money. This prevalence is due to how mainstream music and society in general are focused on individual pursuits rather than community outreach. While searching for love songs, I observed a majority of songs either focused on the pursuit of love or the end of love rather than on actually being in love, in Hinduism it is not just the pursuit of love that should give you pleasure but also the maintenance of it. Love as displayed in American music is often one-sided, fickle, and/or shallow. The drugs and alcohol songs are growing increasingly commonplace, with the dominance of Rap/R&B. Both types of songs emphasize over indulgence rather than proportionality, which goes against the Hindu belief that pleasure seeking should be intelligent.

Because of the significance given to individuality in America, community service songs are limited. In my search, I found many songs that lamented on the poor state of our world but only a few inspired others to take action.  Also, I correlated that community service songs were mainly developed in response to a certain conflicts or even for a charity event such as “Children Need A Helping Hand” by Backstreet Boys, which never reached the popularity as their other songs such as “I Want It That Way” or “As Long As You Love Me”. I wonder if it was because it focused on a good cause rather than personal love issues why it did not reach the same level of popularity. Another trend I noticed in songs that do call for action, the action does not have to be physical. It can be something as basic as praying i.e. “Pray” by Justin Bieber. While praying for others seems to go along with fulfilling the aim of community service, it is not enough. I believe that in order to reach that goal, actual volunteer service is required.  Lastly, community service songs also seemed to become more popular during the Christmas time of giving. Thus, making community service seem seasonal rather than a year-round duty.