***Sorry, this clip will not show unless you copy the URL because it is not a Youtube link.
I chose this clip from the controversial American animated sitcom, South Park. What I interpret from this clip is that finding balance and enlightenment is a simple ordeal. Buddhism has many misconceptions in America, including the simplicity of finding enlightenment. After reading Brad Warner's book, I believe many Buddhist practices are played down in America and misconceived as the easy way to reach enlightenment. However, considering the temptations and materialism in our country, finding "balance" as Buddhist refer to it, after all is not so simple.
The goal of Buddhism is to find the path between indulgence and asceticism. The practicers of asceticism refrain from sensual pleasures and material wealth, but Buddha claims this is not the way to find enlightenment. One, however, must limit their indulgences. In his book Zen Wrapped In Karma Dipped In Chocolate, Brad Warner quotes "The only thing I can offer is the advice that you have to constantly seek balance." He advances "When things are too exciting, there's a problem. Just because something is exposed to view doesn't mean you have to look at it. Just because some experience is available doesn't mean you have to have it. Nowadays, though, we no longer rely on society to hide these things from us so we don't take in too much. We need to create our own discipline." (page 88) I believe Warner is trying to express that finding balance in our lives is not found by following the life of Buddha or Buddhist practices, but better yet finding balance within ourselves that best suits our lifestyle.
Enlightenment is not found by sitting under a tree, meditating, and vowing not to move until it is reached. That was not at all Buddha's intentions. Finding enlightenment, or even balance, is found on a personal basis and is unique to how others find it. I found it interesting how Warner informed us of how many Americans try to find balance in their life. He shared with us his experience of using a sensory deprivation tank to meditate and find balance. Warner claimed, "The design of the sensory deprivation tank is based on the idea that mind and body are two distinct and eternally seperate entities. The makers evidently figured that if they could effectively shut out all bodily sensation a person would experience the state of full mind. But the state of mind divorced from body never exists in nature. We imagine it could, but I've yet to meet or read about anyone who could persaude me they'd ever experienced such an absurd thing. But more than that, I find the idea absurd, given my own experience." (page 155) Basically, reaching a full state of mind over body is impractical. However, that does not mean that finding balance in life is, through each and every person's unique way of doing so.
Hilarious South Park clip! I found your thoughts on the practice of Buddhism enlightening. I agree that the Western take on Buddhism is different than the intended Eastern philosophy, and I believe this has a lot to do with culture. Our is a culture of quick fixes and fast paces, which is the opposite of a Buddhist philosophy that will take multiple lifetimes to accomplish! I have a hard time wrapping my head around that, but simultaneously feel that much of the Buddhist philosophy could help many of us Westerners figure out what is really important to living in a righteous manner.
ReplyDeleteVery amusing clip, I had forgotten about that episode. I agree with you when you say "Enlightenment is not found by sitting under a tree, meditating, and vowing not to move until it is reached." Balance is key and you definitely aren't going to find it without pursuing your goal actively.
ReplyDeleteThough the video does have correct characteristics of Buddhism: not being depended on relationships and finding the middle ground in life/balance I have to agree with you that they writers of the show made it seem like an easy thing to do. It takes Buddhists years to properly clear their head and reach enlightenment. The West is obsessed with the idea that everything is instantaneous. I liked how you pointed out that enlightenment is very personal and unique for everyone; people cannot be pushed into "quick" enlightenment, there is no time frame for it, you reach it once you're ready.
ReplyDeleteI really thought the clip you chose was hilarious! I thought that the points that you made in your blog post were very valid and I appreciated what you wrote. Buddhism is all about balance and I think that stereotypes develop because Americans have such a hard time with patience and balance. Our culture seems to be about the right here and right now.
ReplyDeleteHilarious clip! There definitely are many misconceptions in American about Buddhism. Many believe that it would be relatively simple to find enlightenment. Some people aren’t aware that finding balance and enlightenment are done on a personal level and there is not a specific way to achieve either.
ReplyDeleteAnother person's blog was really similar in the idea that society will see a person as hypocritical when they are a part of a certain belief system and end up screwing up! It's ridiculous, we're all imperfect, we all have our biases, we all have our struggles. Judging a person for what they believe and how they screwed up is a waste of time. The clip however, is hilarious.
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