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Nicki Minaj’s disgraceful photoshoot in front of a Buddha statue."

DaltheJigsawDaltheJigsaw Mountain View Veteran
I don't think it's a big deal? As Buddha's we don't pray or give ourself to Buddha? Shouldn't we offer compassion and understanding? Thoughts?

http://www.bbncommunity.com/2013/10/10/nicki-minajs-disgraceful-photoshoot-in-front-of-a-buddha-statue/
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Comments

  • zombiegirlzombiegirl beating the drum of the lifeless in a dry wasteland Veteran
    I saw this earlier and had a chuckle at the comments. They almost unanimously agree with your comment above Leon. But after scrolling through compassionate response after compassionate response, what made me laugh the most was the bottom one that simply said, "Those shoes look uncomfortable." I agree with you and the bottom comment.
    riverflowVastmindNiesje
  • I can't see what's so offensive in the picture. Is it the bikini they don't like?
    riverflow
  • Went to check out what shoes Buddhas wear. Seems the offending potential Bhikkhuni Bikini Babe has had her butt bedazzled by popular demand . . .

    Buddha be . . .
    indifferent

    image
    Bunksericcris10senJoyfulGirl
  • TheEccentricTheEccentric Hampshire, UK Veteran
    Disgusting. It seems to be acceptable to treat Buddhism like this but not the other religions, I mean she would never dream of doing that in front of a crucifix, a Virgin Mary statue or a Menorah.

    Fortunately her 15 minutes of fame are coming to end. She is such a bad example to people of my generation. Even if it weren't in front of a Buddha or this would still be a disgraceful image.
  • CinorjerCinorjer Veteran
    edited October 2013
    I don't get the outrage. Are people deliberately looking for imagined slights to get mad about? It appears the statue is sitting next to a swimming pool at some resort somewhere. Any insult would be from the owners of the hotel who decided that was a perfect spot for a statue of Buddha, I suppose. As for the woman, she's not sitting on the statue's lap or putting sunglasses on it, only posing next to it, like many other bikini clad women in the past at that resort, I imagine.

    As for being upset because someone is "mocking" a religion, I Ieave it to the Muslims and Christians to get all worked up about it. I doubt that's the real reason people are upset in this case, anyway. It's that their religious symbol is part of a sexual scene. I suppose your tolerance depends on if the woman offends you or not even without the Buddha. If she does, then the statue gives you an excuse to vent. If she doesn't offend you, then I doubt you even notice the statue. That's the way our minds work.

    Take Buddhism in movies. How about that scene in Hot Shots where they're at the Buddhist temple and all the monks line up in front of a woman to show off, some even dropping their robes to pose for her? Nobody from the Buddhist side felt the least bit insulted from deliberate mocking.
    riverflowVastmindJoyfulGirlNiesje
  • Posing... in a bikini... in front of a Buddha statue!?!?!?!?

    The OUTRAGE! /sarcasm
    The Buddha statue looked like a good background piece.

    Kundo
  • VastmindVastmind Memphis, TN Veteran
    edited October 2013
    Did you think we would think it was a big deal?

    Her showing ass, is so 5 years ago. Just some fancy
    hotel she was in that had a statue. :rolleyes:
    Posed pics looked so staged....hahaha
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran

    Disgusting. It seems to be acceptable to treat Buddhism like this but not the other religions, I mean she would never dream of doing that in front of a crucifix, a Virgin Mary statue or a Menorah.

    Fortunately her 15 minutes of fame are coming to end. She is such a bad example to people of my generation. Even if it weren't in front of a Buddha or this would still be a disgraceful image.

    You're right...she came and she will go. I doubt she will be one of those who remains around for a very long time.

    I will say, however, that there have been many sacrilegious art pieces (etc.) done about Christianity, some even involving feces.

  • A statue is nothing more than a piece of metal/clay.
    Thank god/buddha nobody started rioting like when the Quran/bible was burnt.
    LeonBasin said:

    I don't think it's a big deal? As Buddha's we don't pray or give ourself to Buddha? Shouldn't we offer compassion and understanding? Thoughts?

    http://www.bbncommunity.com/2013/10/10/nicki-minajs-disgraceful-photoshoot-in-front-of-a-buddha-statue/

    riverflowpegembara
  • Was going to write something but... meh
    KundomisterCope
  • zombiegirlzombiegirl beating the drum of the lifeless in a dry wasteland Veteran

    Disgusting. It seems to be acceptable to treat Buddhism like this but not the other religions, I mean she would never dream of doing that in front of a crucifix, a Virgin Mary statue or a Menorah.

    Fortunately her 15 minutes of fame are coming to end. She is such a bad example to people of my generation. Even if it weren't in front of a Buddha or this would still be a disgraceful image.

    Lol, you're kidding right? Nicki Minaj is the one who dressed up like a red silk nun and was escorted to the Grammys by a guy dressed up like the Pope.

    image

    Free speech blah blah blah. Why are we still talking about this? I really think she just thought the statue was cool and wanted a picture by it since many people in the West tend to treat buddhist things as more 'art' and less 'religion'.
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran
    There's a difference between free speech and responsible speech.
    There's a difference between free speech and mindful speech.
  • zombiegirlzombiegirl beating the drum of the lifeless in a dry wasteland Veteran
    vinlyn said:

    There's a difference between free speech and responsible speech.
    There's a difference between free speech and mindful speech.

    I never said there wasn't. I just honestly think that when discussing someone like Nicki Minaj, it's better to just hold your breath. She has a song where nearly half the lyrics are her just repeating, "You a stupid hoe!" over and over again. She is a performer who consistently tries to offend and create controversy.
    riverflowlobsterVastmindNiesje
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited October 2013
    fascinating.

    Something so trivial and we're actually running a thread on this rubbish.

    Really?

    Is it that compelling, guys?
    riverflowVastmindNiesje
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran
    Let's put it this way, while a Western Buddhist might not be bothered much by this, many, many Buddhists in Thailand would be absolutely outraged. So it is news related to Buddhism.
  • KundoKundo Sydney, Australia Veteran

    Disgusting. It seems to be acceptable to treat Buddhism like this but not the other religions, I mean she would never dream of doing that in front of a crucifix, a Virgin Mary statue or a Menorah.

    Madonna hung from a cheap bejewelled crucufix several tours ago and I think the highest insult to Jews is she claims to be a Kabbalist *snorts*

    The most offensive part of the picture, IMO, is that they PUT Nicki Minaj in it.

    riverflow
  • KundoKundo Sydney, Australia Veteran
    Cinorjer said:

    Take Buddhism in movies. How about that scene in Hot Shots where they're at the Buddhist temple and all the monks line up in front of a woman to show off, some even dropping their robes to pose for her? Nobody from the Buddhist side felt the least bit insulted from deliberate mocking.

    EXACTLY (but I really loved that movie :D )
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran

    Cinorjer said:

    Take Buddhism in movies. How about that scene in Hot Shots where they're at the Buddhist temple and all the monks line up in front of a woman to show off, some even dropping their robes to pose for her? Nobody from the Buddhist side felt the least bit insulted from deliberate mocking.

    EXACTLY (but I really loved that movie :D )
    The one that drove me crazy was "Surf Ninjas", which I happened to see one fall right after returning from Thailand. I was just casually watching the film on t.v. while doing some paperwork. Two very sacred and fairly well known upcountry temples were featured in several scenes -- mostly sort of silly martial arts bits -- right at the temple. All I could think of was that Thais will do almost anything for money.

  • vinlyn said:

    Let's put it this way, while a Western Buddhist might not be bothered much by this, many, many Buddhists in Thailand would be absolutely outraged. So it is news related to Buddhism.

    I'm almost positive that I saw a Thai hooker dressed as a schoolgirl at a girly bar, pouring part of her drink into a glass in a shrine as an offering.
    Why was I at a girly bar in Thailand one might ask? I went with a friend of mine who frequents those places, to have a look at the scene at Soi Cowboy. Honest! I've never slept with a Thai, even though I'd have a hard time convincing anyone of that over there.
    Anyway, I'm sure Buddha statues have been exposed to much more depravity than that.
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran
    robot said:

    vinlyn said:

    ...
    Why was I at a girly bar in Thailand one might ask? I went with a friend of mine who frequents those places, to have a look at the scene at Soi Cowboy. Honest! ...

    Actually, I believe that. Only time I ever went to Pat Pong (which is now very tame, but wasn't always so) was with a guide I had been supplied with by the Education Ministry. I did get an education!

    Kundorobotlobster
  • pegembarapegembara Veteran
    edited October 2013
    Are you sure that is the statue of the Buddha? Look at those lovely locks of hair. I thought the Buddha was bald.

    "So, at a later time, while still young, a black-haired young man endowed with the blessings of youth in the first stage of life — and while my parents, unwilling, were crying with tears streaming down their faces — I shaved off my hair & beard, put on the ochre robe and went forth from the home life into homelessness.

    http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.026.than.html

    "Why wouldn't it have, Aggivessana? Before my Awakening, when I was still an unawakened Bodhisatta, the thought occurred to me: 'Household life is confining, a dusty path. Life gone forth is the open air. It isn't easy, living in a home, to practice the holy life totally perfect, totally pure, a polished shell. What if I, having shaved off my hair & beard and putting on the ochre robe, were to go forth from the household life into homelessness?'
    "So at a later time, when I was still young, black-haired, endowed with the blessings of youth in the first stage of life, having shaved off my hair & beard — though my parents wished otherwise and were grieving with tears on their faces — I put on the ochre robe and went forth from the home life into homelessness.

    http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.036.than.html
  • The most important question to ask when reflecting on our reactions to such situations is this - Are we freed from desire, anger or delusion? Freedom lies from letting go.

    That does not mean not taking any wise action for sometimes the best thing is to actually do nothing.
    Niesje
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran
    pegembara said:

    Are you sure that is the statue of the Buddha? Look at those lovely locks of hair. I thought the Buddha was bald.

    "So, at a later time, while still young, a black-haired young man endowed with the blessings of youth in the first stage of life — and while my parents, unwilling, were crying with tears streaming down their faces — I shaved off my hair & beard, put on the ochre robe and went forth from the home life into homelessness.

    http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.026.than.html

    "Why wouldn't it have, Aggivessana? Before my Awakening, when I was still an unawakened Bodhisatta, the thought occurred to me: 'Household life is confining, a dusty path. Life gone forth is the open air. It isn't easy, living in a home, to practice the holy life totally perfect, totally pure, a polished shell. What if I, having shaved off my hair & beard and putting on the ochre robe, were to go forth from the household life into homelessness?'
    "So at a later time, when I was still young, black-haired, endowed with the blessings of youth in the first stage of life, having shaved off my hair & beard — though my parents wished otherwise and were grieving with tears on their faces — I put on the ochre robe and went forth from the home life into homelessness.

    http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.036.than.html

    Despite the scriptures, Buddha -- in Thailand -- is almost always portrayed as the photograph indicates...usually with tight curls. In Thailand he is seen as cutting his long, flowing hair. Just Google Thai Buddha and go to images. I don't ever remember seeing a bald Buddha in Thailand; not saying there aren't any, but they are few and far between if they exist at all.

  • genkakugenkaku Northampton, Mass. U.S.A. Veteran
    What can I say?! Utter outrage! My faith is shaken! My devotion is besmirched! My years of practice have been upended! Let's put her in jail as the Russians did to members of "Pussy Riot." :)

    C'mon guys! Get a life!
    riverflowpoptartNiesje
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran
    @Genkaku, I don't think anyone's going over the edge about this.

    But if, as Buddhists, we believe in right action, then it seems reasonable to question the wisdom of sexually posing -- or is she taking a dump -- immediately adjacent to a religious statue...whatever religion it is. Even the article says, "it’s timely that we sign a petition among our community and others who are against any type of insults on any religion". And that, for me, is the point. I may disagree with Muslims about many aspects of their religion, but I don't disrespect their religion, because to do so is disrespecting a human being...same with a Christian, same with a Hindu, etc. Either we respect human beings, or we don't...and in my view there isn't a dimes worth of different between the concept of respect and the concept of compassion.
    pegembara
  • genkakugenkaku Northampton, Mass. U.S.A. Veteran
    @Vinlyn -- I take your point, but I guess I am guilty of thinking that Buddhists are grown-ups. How anyone could possibly insult Buddhism beats the socks off me.
    riverflow
  • What exactly is the insult? She’s clearly in a meditation posture.
    riverflowpoptart
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran
    zenff said:

    What exactly is the insult? She’s clearly in a meditation posture.

    I think you're right! For her that would be a meditation posture...considering that she doesn't know squat!

    riverflowpoptartKundo
  • Invincible_summerInvincible_summer Heavy Metal Dhamma We(s)t coast, Canada Veteran
    Context is also important here: it appears that the Buddha statue is in a hotel/resort of some sort. People are going to be in swimsuits, drinking, swearing, doing all sorts of "un-Buddhist" behaviours at such a locale.

    If it was a temple, it would indeed be more tactless, but the setting leads me to think that she's not the first scantily-clad person to turn their back to the statue at this venue.
    riverflowpoptartzenffhow
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran
    I don't think it's clear where it is. I think I see the top of a chedi down the hill.

  • zombiegirlzombiegirl beating the drum of the lifeless in a dry wasteland Veteran
    pegembara said:

    Are you sure that is the statue of the Buddha? Look at those lovely locks of hair. I thought the Buddha was bald.

    Are you thinking of Hotei, @pegembara ?

    Hotei:
    image
  • Anyone with their balls in the air is a hotty. Also good to see bald, pregnant Buddhas, with smaller breasts, as well as those in a thong being given their chance in the sun. She also seems to be some sort of DJ with that large mic . . .

    Hotei - what a babe, nice earrings . . . :nyah:
    riverflowInvincible_summerpoptartJoyfulGirl
  • genkakugenkaku Northampton, Mass. U.S.A. Veteran
    Gautama Buddha has hair curled like snails or actual snails, depending on which story you prefer.

    Hotei is a Chinese folkloric deity often described as a version of Maitreya.
  • VastmindVastmind Memphis, TN Veteran
    To be honest....I think it's just an excuse to show a skin/naked pic.
    Her, the paper, or the OP.

    Modesty should be taught/practiced more.
    Invincible_summer
  • vinlyn said:

    I don't think it's clear where it is. I think I see the top of a chedi down the hill.

    I can see a couple of loungers and the corner of a pool on the left hand side.

    It is a fact that Buddha statues are used as ornaments in all sorts of places. I have one in my garden and it has seen some untoward things in its time, including being peed on by my dog.

    riverflow
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran
    Frankly, wherever it is, the action is offensive to many people. If I came face to face with Manaj, despite my personal opinion of her, I wouldn't say or do anything that would be offensive to her.

    Whether a Buddha statue is in a temple courtyard or a hotel, it's still an iconic religious figure that, in the eyes of millions, deserves a modicum of respect.
  • @poptart - that reminds me of my wee statue I have just outside my window. I wrote this haiku a couple years ago:

    under the pine
    dappled with bird droppings
    a Buddha statue


    poptartVastmindInvincible_summer
  • Invincible_summerInvincible_summer Heavy Metal Dhamma We(s)t coast, Canada Veteran
    vinlyn said:

    Frankly, wherever it is, the action is offensive to many people. If I came face to face with Manaj, despite my personal opinion of her, I wouldn't say or do anything that would be offensive to her.

    Whether a Buddha statue is in a temple courtyard or a hotel, it's still an iconic religious figure that, in the eyes of millions, deserves a modicum of respect.

    Yes, this is true, but who goes to these resorts? Mostly fairly-well-off Westerners to whom the Buddha is simply an "exotic" figure whose image can be used to "Easternize" or "zennify" a space.

    It's strange how the image of the Buddha has been co-opted for aesthetic purposes, but images of Krsna or Jesus have not, at least not to the same extent.
    riverflow
  • I think sometimes blasfemy can show you how free you are within a religion. After all the buddha statue is not forever. I think it is more upsetting when people behave without compassion.
    riverflowpoptartlobster
  • vinlyn said:

    Frankly, wherever it is, the action is offensive to many people. If I came face to face with Manaj, despite my personal opinion of her, I wouldn't say or do anything that would be offensive to her.

    Whether a Buddha statue is in a temple courtyard or a hotel, it's still an iconic religious figure that, in the eyes of millions, deserves a modicum of respect.

    You're right. One doesn't have to be offended, but still one can objectively maintain that certain actions are unskillful/disrespectful. I am not offended if you call me a fool but I can still point out that you're being impolite by calling me a fool.
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran
    betaboy said:



    You're right. One doesn't have to be offended, but still one can objectively maintain that certain actions are unskillful/disrespectful. I am not offended if you call me a fool but I can still point out that you're being impolite by calling me a fool.

    Exactly.

    In Thailand and Malaysia and Singapore I have visited a number of Hindu temples. I don't believe in Hinduism, and don't respect many aspects of Hinduism. But I respect the human beings that do.

  • I think sometimes blasphemy can show you how free you are within a religion. After all the buddha statue is not forever. I think it is more upsetting when people behave without compassion.

    An ignorant person remains ignorant when disrespectful. A Buddha statue remains respectable. a wise person knows when to ignore ignorance and challenge empty fawning, no matter how hallowed and sacred the focus.

    The thong is the thing. The Buddha is a thong . . . look how we follow its thing.
    [breaks into thong]

    Thing.
    Thing a Thong.
    Sing out loud, sing out strong.
    Sing of good things, not bad.
    Sing of happy, not sad.
    Sing.
    Sing a song.
    Make it simple to last your whole life long.
    Don´t worry that it´s not good enough for anyone else to hear.
    Just sing.
    Sing a song.
    La La La La La La
    La La La La La La

    Carpenters

    :p
    Kundo
  • howhow Veteran Veteran
    hhhmmmmm.
    This reaction is the best possible outcome that Nicki Minaj could have hoped for.
    Way to reward her everyone.
    Invincible_summerriverflowDaltheJigsaw
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran
    edited October 2013
    Deleted.

  • betaboy said:

    One doesn't have to be offended, but still one can objectively maintain that certain actions are unskillful/disrespectful.

    Are you saying it is disrespectful to crouch down in a bikini if a Buddha statue is there? I'd seriously like to know why you think the presence of the statue makes certain poses disrespectful.
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran
    poptart said:

    betaboy said:

    One doesn't have to be offended, but still one can objectively maintain that certain actions are unskillful/disrespectful.

    Are you saying it is disrespectful to crouch down in a bikini if a Buddha statue is there? I'd seriously like to know why you think the presence of the statue makes certain poses disrespectful.
    Just for the record, in Thailand that is considered to be the case. Specifically, for example, pointing one's feet toward a Buddha statue. In at least one case -- at Wat Phra Keow -- it is literally illegal to do so.

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