These images depict a couple different stereotypes related to Buddhism, as it is in Western culture. The first image (gold) is an inaccruate portrayal of buddha. Considering Buddha was emaciated, only eating one grain of rice a day, when he finally reached enlightenment, the western culture has instead created an image of an overweight, happy man to depict. This is not to say that this image was specifically intended to depict buddha, but that as a western society at large, this is a very popular image to relate him to. The second image shown (of meditation), also can be used to reflect a stereotype in the west portraying that those that practice buddhism are in constant meditation, peacefully blissful, and ultimately submissive. When searching for images of buddhism, these were the two most popular images (similar to others), in general. However, buddhism is not only centered around mediation, but it is an active choice, and therefore lifestyle, as well. I would consider these to be both negative stereotypes, because they are wholly untrue.
Brad Warner's writing, I believe, ultimately defies the stereotype of a blissful, "zen-like" nature. While also a well-known "zen master", Warner plays, still, in a hardcore punk band, has been left by his wife, and experienced both loss of family as well as jobs. Though he is a zen "master" he experiences these pains just the same, but explains that his practice get him through. "Zen master" in itself is a western entity, as Warner stated: "A Zen master, at least in the popular conception, is a mystical being, an Enlightened One who can rise above all human affliction and discontent"(ix).
My favorite image came from a cartoon website, cartoonstock.com, that showed a zen "master" on top of a mountain, with a man hanging off the side of the cliff to get to him. The cartoon says:
'The meaning of life??? How the hell should I know? Try Google.' This reminded me of the misconstrued notion that monks, buddhism masters, and those of religous authority are assumed to be at an intellect beyond that of the average person. However, because they are more spiritually aware, does not denote that they know the meaning of life. Warner puts this out, stating this idea that "followers [tend] to see their teachers as supernatural creatures.." which "suggests that the teacher was a mind of Christ-like paranoral creature with powers abd abilites far beyond those of ordinary people" (pg., Xi). But the strongest phrase in Buddhism, according to Warner, is "I don't know" (p. 61)
trenddelacreme.com
When I used to think of Buddhism all I could come up with was meditation. I just thought that Buddhists went along all day everyday meditating their hearts out. Now, obviously, that it not true. Warner definitely goes against the stereotype for the "typical zen master."
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