Buddhism in Popular Culture

Courtesy The Buddhascope @ http://www.newwave.net/~hundred/Pages/budhascop_pages/scope_fall99.html
 
 
 
 

WIRED BUDDHA

"EVERY MODERN BUDDHIST knows that Nirvana can be reached much more quickly and efficiently over the Internet than by the old methods. This 3-1/2-inch wide, 5-inch tall soft vinyl Buddha sits peacefully gazing at his laptop computer. The reverent look on his face shows that he is pleased with the spiritual convenience of modern technology. Give him a squeeze and he'll squeak!"

---Text for "E-Buddha" item (seen above),
available from Archie McPhee catalog No. 63
for $4.95 each, Item 10476.


 
 

ZENWEAR

"THE ZEN ZONE: Eastern influences are evident
in this fall's fashion statements. Just look at the
prevailing neutral color palatte---calm, comfortable
silhouettes and easy-care fabrics. Achieve balance
between work andplay with the loose-fitting Raylz
Junior Drawstring Pants and a pair of yoga shoes,
or the dressier Riders Misses Pleated Front Pant
paired with a textured, designer white hooded
sweater. Ease your mind with Riders' worry-free,
wrinkle-free twill options..."

---Press release for a line of Fall 1999 clothing by Riders Apparel
 
 
 
 

The Ford Noble Truth

THE FORD NOBLE TRUTH

"Spence put a new twist on an old philosophy. To be
one with everything, he says, you've gotta have one of
everything. That's why he also has the new Ford Ranger.
So he can seek wisdom on a mountain top. Take off in
pursuit of enlightenment. And connect with Mother Earth.
By looking no further than into the planet's coolest
4-door compact pickup. He says it gives him easy access
to inner peace. Which makes him one happy soul."

---Copy to Ford advertisement (seen above)
on back of May, 1999 issue of Bicycling magazine
 
 
 
 

ENLIGHTENED CRUISE

"IT CAN TAKE several lifetimes to reach a state
of inner peace and tranquility. Or it can take a
couple of weeks.Concentrate deeply. Think about a
14-day ocean journey to Singapore, or Bali,
Thailand or China. Days when every whim is
anticipated. Instantly met. Places where the sights,
smells, lights are a sensual feast imagination can't do
justice. Now, a flash of insight. Royal Caribbean
will soon take you to the Far East... Don't put it off
another lifetime."

---Royal Caribbean Cruise Line magazine ad
depicting large meditating Buddhist sculpture,
with cruise ship floating near Buddha's shoulder.


 
 
 
 
 
"TRADITIONALIST CULTURE warriors
routinely complain that religion has been banished
from popular culture, save for purposes of ridicule
or when a celebrity wishes to indulge a taste for
recreational Buddhism..."

---August 21, 1998 Wall Street Journal on the
spiritual strains that still survive in country music
 
 
 

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