Zen Diving

When The Simpsons writers gently lampooned American clichés about Buddhism, they used little Lisa’s quest for spiritual fulfillment to riff on several popular misconceptions. (But honestly, does anyone really want enlightenment in the form of Richard Gere to appear whenever someone accomplishes proper lotus position?) Oversimplified introductions to Buddhism cloak...

By Margaret Griffis

April 27, 2006

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When The Simpsons writers gently lampooned American clichés about Buddhism, they used little Lisa’s quest for spiritual fulfillment to riff on several popular misconceptions. (But honestly, does anyone really want enlightenment in the form of Richard Gere to appear whenever someone accomplishes proper lotus position?) Oversimplified introductions to Buddhism cloak an old religion steeped not only in esoteric tradition but also in complicated politics, only some of which are familiar to Westerners. Accordingly it might just be a humorous, skydiving Dane who turns out to be the perfect guide through the confusion and controversies. Lama Ole Nydahl is one of the first Westerners trained in the Karma Kagyu school of Buddhism and was a student of the sixteenth Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. In tonight’s 8:00 lecture, “Meditation: Science of Mind,” the Lama ties the constructive ways that Buddhism can benefit modern life through practical application of its concepts. Is there a better way to mellow your harsh than this? Go to the Newton Building. Admission is $20. Call 305-318-8242, or visit www.diamondway.org/miami.
Tue., May 2

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