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.
Very astute insights. I also was one who thought all Buddhist monks, Zen masters, etc. were there to fulfill the role of an all knowing, mistake free leader. I attribute this my Catholic upbringing, and the role of priests within that particular construct being a figure on level with God. This has skewed my perception of the roles of religious figures, and I assume the same for many others who fall victim to the questionable monks that Warner refers to in his book
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the quote you borrowed from Warner's book "authentic Buddhism doesn't always come packaged the way we imagine it could" because it can translate to any and all religions! If people don't take the time to understand the varying religions in the world, then they will develop ridiculous stereotypes that may not actually be true. I guess if someone were to see a person sitting at a monastery, meditating, and wearing a robe then it can be assumed that they are a Buddhist monk. If a person with the same ideals and views of the afterlife is sitting next to you on a the NY Subway, there is much doubt that you will identify them as a Buddhist monk; the same stereotype is not applied.
ReplyDeleteThis concept can be applied to all types of stereotypes, not just those about Buddhist monks. Making an effort to understand alternative ways of life is the only way people can develop the proper awareness for individuals throughout the world.
I agree with your point of saying that Monks are almost a demigod. True buddhist monks, not the scammers in America, would not even ponder the thought of being a god, especially when Buddha wasn't a god himself.
ReplyDeleteI like the insight from what you're saying. People now days believe everything just comes in a prepackaged box and out pops whatever. Doesn't happen, especially with what he spoke about the woman who went to follow zen Buddhism and went crazy. So it's just the notion of everything ready in a box needs to be thrown out. Good stuff
ReplyDeleteGreat job, I feel like there are many people who, if asked, would think that monks have some kind of supernatural ability. I'm sure this is in large part due to Hollywood. Monks are always portrayed as mystical beings, doing things like levitating and flying. But they are, in fact, just normal people.
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