There are many stereotypes that Buddhist practitioners have to deal with. One of the many is the idea that monks have a supernatural connection to their respective god. This is not true. They are just normal men that have an incredible connection with the religion. Their devotion can sometimes be confused with a supernatural ability to connect with their "god." This misconception can lead to stereotypes about their abilities as human beings. There is such a construed idea about their abilities that are myths that are created around these abilities that help foster stereotypes. According to Brad Warners' book entitled, "Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate," these men are "no more supernatural than any Catholic priest, Rabi, minister, shoe salesman, or fishmonger (Warner, XII)." Although this may sound like a negative aspect, this idea of monks being supernatural aids towards their survival as they rely on followers believing in these supernatural abilities. Brad Warner goes on to explain that some monks have survived quite well because of this fact. To prove this fact Brad talks about his own life. He goes onto explain that Buddhism and the practice of Zen is practiced by real people with real world problems. There is not some man on a mountain that just practices these techniques but the practice of Zen can be used by regular people and usually are. With all of the stereotypes that are out there, the general public can sometimes get a skewed idea of what Buddhism is all about. Brad Warner notes this is his book when he says, "Authentic Buddhism doesn't always come packaged the way we imagined it could." This quote gives an insight into the idea that Buddhism does come with many stereotypes that are just not true. With all of the stereotypes associated with Buddhist Monks, there is one overlapping ideal that is true and Brad Warner comments on it. This ideal is that Buddha “was not full of shit when he said the cause of suffering could be uprooted and you can put an end to it once and for all. Whether this is accomplished because people feel a supernatural aspect to a religion or because people are just trying to commit themselves to their religion makes no difference. The purpose is the same, to show people an alternate way to life and its problems.
