How do Buddhists feel about pop culture representations of their philosophy

RobinH

I am a creative person who loves writing webcomics, I feel inspired by much of what I read about Buddhism, but obviously I'm not interested in becoming some self-appointed self-help guru to offer quick fixes for enlightenment, I just feel like organizing my thoughts and feelings about Buddhist philosophy through fiction even if my read is not too accurate and very much dumbed down to its core concepts. Thing is I'm not sure how much it would feel a "misrepresentation" to some. I really feel like just writing fiction (with some understandably mature themes in the mix) about how I approach the subject.

Jeroen

I feel it is rich ground for new stories. In the USA they have stories like Kung Fu (1972) starring David Carradine, about a Shaolin monk who wanders the old Wild West.

But there aren’t many stories about Buddhism coming to Europe, or at least that I’ve seen. And now we even have a Buddhist monk in the Dutch town where I live, or there is Plum Village in France, host to a whole tradition of monks.

RobinH

I was thinking of more of a fable kind of story. Obviously not in pairs with things like The Little Prince, but about as complex and complicated. It would take place in Europe of course, because I live there and my technique is based on a lot of photography. I'm glad you have a monk where you live, that must be a very authentic experience for you.

lobster

I just feel like organizing my thoughts and feelings

Buddhism is based on ancient superhero web comics. Obviously in the past they were written in stone and the Buddha was depicted as a tree or footprint. When Greco-Buddhism became more prevalent, the Buddha split into multiverses to suit the new readership. Buddha turned into a Wheel person.

Popular depictions these days are just another delusional side track... unless they are organized from knowledge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_paths_to_liberation

person

There was a controversy a decade or two ago where someone in the US flushed a Koran down the toilet. Ajahn Brahm was asked by a reporter what he would do if someone flushed a Buddhist holy book down the toilet. His response, "call a plumber". Just saying Buddhists generally don't seem to mind too much.

For myself, I think if you're going to try something like that its nice to ask people for clarity on the topic to see if you can make or keep it as accurate as possible for the story you want to tell.

When Andy Weir wrote The Martian he published chapter drafts online for people to help him get the science right. I think it did a lot for the story. But he also left the wind storm in as the impetus for their premature launch even though the atmosphere on Mars is too thin for it to have any effect, because it was better/easier for the story.

Season 3 of White Lotus did a pretty good job of presenting Buddhist views.

RobinH

I've yet to watch Season 3. In any case, I don't think I'll concern myself with the highest of teachings and practices when it comes to writing fiction. My representation of it is probably my own understanding of it told as a fable of sort. It's not meant to be considered canon or a reliable source on Buddhist philosophy by anyone and I think I'll emphasize that, but it's not really for Buddhists I suppose, it's just something that approaches life's questions in a very Buddhist-oriented way.

RobinH

I guess I'll just wing it and see how it goes. It will publish online on a weekly basis. It's a good excuse to provide myself with creative work and take it slow (I used to make like 600 pages in 4-5 months, obsessively really. Taking it slow and just producing a page or two each week will make a huge difference in quality, considering the technique keeps me experimenting.

Vastmind

In my western experience of it….Buddhist are usually laid back about this stuff
We think we know being offended is a more complicated meditation than we’re willing to do right now, hahaha. It’s not worth the introspection…have it. Want a Buddha on your jeans? Go for it. Don’t bother me. Want a lotus tattoo…or an eastern decor flair to your WASP house…then hey, do what makes you happy. Comic book? Sounds fun. If I’m offended, then I won’t read it. 😉

Jeroen

There are a number of manga’s which include appearances by the Buddha, there is even one actually called ‘Buddha’ about the life of the Buddha. I believe the latter was well-received and is now used as an important step to introduce Japanese kids to the Buddha.

RobinH

Well I guess it doesn't hurt to have a sense of humor. And many Buddhists tend to.

Shoshin1

@RobinH said:
Well I guess it doesn't hurt to have a sense of humor. And many Buddhists tend to.

Hmm, is that the seventh sense ?

QuangKsanti

@person said:
There was a controversy a decade or two ago where someone in the US flushed a Koran down the toilet. Ajahn Brahm was asked by a reporter what he would do if someone flushed a Buddhist holy book down the toilet. His response, "call a plumber". Just saying Buddhists generally don't seem to mind too much.

For myself, I think if you're going to try something like that its nice to ask people for clarity on the topic to see if you can make or keep it as accurate as possible for the story you want to tell.

When Andy Weir wrote The Martian he published chapter drafts online for people to help him get the science right. I think it did a lot for the story. But he also left the wind storm in as the impetus for their premature launch even though the atmosphere on Mars is too thin for it to have any effect, because it was better/easier for the story.

Season 3 of White Lotus did a pretty good job of presenting Buddhist views.

That post reminded me of a book Dropping Ashes on the Buddha by Zen master Seung Sahn. A good read.