NPR Morning Edition: Monks tending bar

craigpoff

Did anybody else hear the piece on "Morning Edition" (NPR) this morning about Japanese Buddhist Monks operating and tending bar in Tokyo? While I release that "Shin" or "Chan" dominates over there, as well as Zen, obviously, still, I don't know of a "school" of Buddhism where the actual sale of alcohol is not prohibited, especially as it applies to the Monastics. They also dispense advice, so it seems, and there was a very misleading comment made about pre-destination (again, something I thought no Buddhist school of thought would believe in), but some filtered down comments about impermanence did seem to seep through.

Anybody else hear it? If not its probably on the NPR Web Site.

Cinorjer

I missed that, but just went over to the NPR website to see what it was about. Marvelous.

Trying to suss out just what their job is about has prompted a younger generation of Japanese monks to undertake all sorts of endeavors. They start rock bands, open coffee shops and rent out their temples to theatrical productions and concerts as they search for ways of making themselves as central to their communities as their forefathers were back in the 15th century. To these men of the cloth, in other words, it's high time get out of the temple and go to where their flocks are. ( from http://www.npr.org/2011/12/29/143804448/the-real-buddha-bar-tended-by-tokyo-monks )

There is a chanting monk for entertainment, instead of television or the every present kareoke. The interviewed monk talked about how people were always asking them for advice in their role as bartenders.

The monks aren't drinking, so they are not breaking their vows. I suppose the money they make goes to the temple. It seems strange to us Westerners, but we're trained to see bars as dens of depravity by our Calvanistic Protestant Prohibition past.

DaltheJigsaw

This is quite interesting! It reminds me of: http://www.hardcorezen.blogspot.com/

Bodha8

Right Livelyhood.

Cinorjer

Right Livelyhood.

Yeah, gives you pause, doesn't it? Makes you wonder what temple the monks are attached to, and exactly how the conversation went when they approached their elders with a plan to open a bar.

And there's certainly a part of the story we're not being told. How do monks who own nothing get the capital to open a bar? How long have they been monks, and exactly where does the profit go to? The rent and licenses and inventory cost a lot of money before you even open the door.

compassionate_warrior

They're not breaking any vows? But they're not exactly practicing "right livelihood", are they? But some Zen sects allow monks to marry, so maybe this is one of those "flexible" sects.

Jeffrey

In Christianity monks can brew beer, though of course alcohol is not prohibited in their case. As you say Cinorjer it is an interesting balance to decide which message is more important. Is 'don't drink' more important or is the presence of the monks in the community more important, the teachings they may give almost as counselors. I tend to think that any advice they give will fall on deaf ears of someone who is on their 4th drink or so, eh? haha

Cinorjer

Yep, it's a puzzle all around.

genkaku

For some reason, I think this story is several years old ... but I can't find it on youtube.

skullchin

The same process has happened in the US with the Christian church. A much more influential past, abuse of power, and a loss of "relevance." There is a movement within the Christian church "to stay culturally relevant" involving things like starting coffee shops, bands, and art venues. I think these are all good ways to "draw people in" initially, but if they become the focus you can lose what is ancient and most important.

genkaku

"I think these are all good ways to "draw people in" initially, but if they become the focus you can lose what is ancient and most important."

@skullchin -- A good description of what is called "Buddhism," don't you think?

skullchin

@genkaku, I don't know. Could you elaborate?

genkaku

Buddhism, like booze, draws people to the party, don't you think? But with a little experience under the belt, anyone can learn you don't need booze to have a nice party.

skullchin

Oh sure, I get your meaning. I don't think there is anything wrong with getting someone to "come to the party" and hear about the Dharma. I think my first "Dharma seeds" were planted by watching Kung Fu, and The Empire Strikes Back. One is fortunate to ever hear the Dharma. If it is over a pint then good, if it is watching a movie then good as well.

skullchin

BTW, here is linkage for anyone who is interested:
The Real Buddha Bar, Tended By Tokyo Monks

PremaSagar

Did anybody else hear the piece on "Morning Edition" (NPR) this morning about Japanese Buddhist Monks operating and tending bar in Tokyo? While I release that "Shin" or "Chan" dominates over there, as well as Zen, obviously, still, I don't know of a "school" of Buddhism where the actual sale of alcohol is not prohibited, especially as it applies to the Monastics. They also dispense advice, so it seems, and there was a very misleading comment made about pre-destination (again, something I thought no Buddhist school of thought would believe in), but some filtered down comments about impermanence did seem to seep through.

Anybody else hear it? If not its probably on the NPR Web Site.

Sounds like a violation of Right Livelihood. Monks should be spreading the dharma and be earning a living in a way that doesn't harm others or contribute to the fogging of the consciousness, alcohol clouds awareness and is forbidden to Buddha's followers because of it's propensity to create havoc in the mind of individual. Would be much better to sell tea instead.

I leave all my posts open to correction by wiser and much more knowledgeable individuals.