Page 148 - Islam and Buddhism

Islam and Buddhism

Buddhist hymns, styles of dress, and artworks were very popular

among hippies in the '60s and '70s.
Interestingly, the most important architects of popular cultural
expressions are imposing Buddhism on Western society. In this
process, Hollywood has taken the lead. It's generally accepted that
Hollywood reflects the ideas of American society's liberal wing, often
supporting anti-religious ideas and values contrary to Christian

morality and belief. For example, most films strongly impose the the-
ory of evolution on the minds of viewers. In the evolution-versus-cre-
ation argument, "scientific" films are almost always come down on
the side of Darwinism. (Hollywood's anti-religious, pro-Darwin pro-
paganda began with the famous film, Inherit the Wind.) And the ten-
dency of today's films to disparage Islam is a highly evident strategy.
But though Hollywood is generally unfavorable towards re-

vealed religions like Christianity and Islam; when it comes to
Buddhism, it takes a totally opposite line, depicting this religion in a
most attractive light as peaceable and humane. Films like Seven Years
in Tibet, starring Brad Pitt, and Kundun, about the life of the Dalai
Lama, directed by Martin Scorcese, have undertaken to popularizing
Buddhism among the movie-going masses.

For spreading Buddhist propaganda, the private lives of actors
and actresses are as important as the films they star in. The Supreme
Head of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism has declared
Steven Seagal, well-known for his roles in action films, to be the rein-
carnation of a 15th century lama (a Buddhist monk of Tibet or
Mongolia)! Famous actor Richard Gere, in addition to writing books
promoting Buddhism, has founded the Tibet House in New York
with Richard Thurman, father of actress Uma Thurman. Other well-

known Buddhists include Tina Turner, Harrison Ford, Oliver Stone,
Herbie Hancock and Courtney Love.

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