Buddhism Reimagined

While out on a walk in Noho I came across a gym called Rumble, a famous boxing class that many celebrities and Instagram bloggers visit to tone their bodies and heighten their moods. The brand has become very popular in New York City since its opening not only because of its fast-paced and energetic workout experience, but also because of its very distinct environment. Rumble does not only focus on boxing, and the space is designed in a way that incorporates many pop culture and hip-hop elements, such as murals of famous movies, photographs of well-known celebrities and movie stars such as Madonna and Jennifer Lopez, lively hip hop music playing in the background, and unique art pieces such as paintings and sculptures. As I walked toward the lockers, there was one art piece that immediately struck my attention. It was a very large, eye-catching, statue of what at first glance appears to be the traditional (Eastern/Chinese) Buddha. This golden statue depicts a fat man sitting in a traditional Buddha pose with splayed legs holding something in his right hand. He carries a symbol on his chest just like the original statue and is wearing loose clothing. However, this is where the similarities end. This is a statue of an American rapper from the 90’s Christopher George Latore Wallace, whose stage name was The Notorious B.I.G. The traditional Buddha that usually represents wealth and bliss was transformed in order to incorporate aspects of the rapper’s life. This Buddha is wearing Versace sunglasses, a kangol hat, a thick gold chain, a loose fitting jacket, a knuckle duster, and chunky boots. He is holding a cigar in one hand and a microphone in the other, while sitting on a huge pile of cash. This representation of Biggie gives the viewer an insight into hip-hop culture and fashion style during the 1990s. The figure also has a Rumble symbol on his necklace and Rumble written on the knuckle duster, which ties into the brand’s setting. Overall, this portrayal of Buddha includes three main themes: traditional Buddhism, boxing, and hip-hop. The reason boxing and music can be seen as relatable to the ideals found in Buddhism is because these activities are sometimes viewed as religious experiences and even as forms of meditation. Music is a way for people to disconnect from the real world and many become so enthralled by the music they listen to that they start worshiping their favorite singers and rappers. People feel a sense of release when listening to music. Boxing is also a way for people to escape their daily problems, clear their minds, and express themselves. Boxers get a rush of adrenaline that allows them to enter into a meditative state. William James believed that out-of body, religious experiences can occur outside of a church or any designated setting. He argued that mystical states of consciousness can bring one closer to God, make one in tune with one’s senses, and can occur anywhere. James stated “Certain aspects of nature seem to have a peculiar power of awakening such mystical moods. Most of the striking cases which I have collected have occurred out of doors” (James 260). This viewpoint relates to the fact that people can have their own, individual, life changing moments and these moments do not have to happen in a structured manner. William James provides us with a very modern way of looking at religion which allows us to accept the fact that music and boxing can be thought of in a religious context.

This golden Buddha/Biggie statue also contributes to the fact that many Americans have adopted their own forms of Buddhism. European Americans first started practicing Buddhism because it was an alternative to two extremes: atheism and Christianity. It allowed them to break free of entanglements and practice religion outside of a specific setting. People, like John Kerouac, were attracted to the idea that Buddhism provides a path to end suffering. He adopted Buddhism in his own manner around the 1950s. This was a time of change for most of America. Our country was flourishing after the second world war and God was everywhere, even on money. Yet not everyone could accept such rampant religiousness. James Kerouac decided to incorporate Buddhism his own life and provided his own outlook on religion through his novels. Although there is nothing wrong about adopting a religion, nowadays Americans are taking concepts found in Buddhism and extending their own authority over them. Buddhism has become too detached from its original state and is taking up a new shape, which in this case involves music and boxing. Westerners are more focused on individualism, meditation, and self help, rather than the hierarchy and discipline that are Buddhism’s integral parts. Aspects of this philosophy have become so popular recently that it has become almost a trend. This attitude toward Buddhism can be seen in the statute because the seated figure is very playful and entertaining, rather than spiritual. People take pictures with the statute in yoga and meditation poses and post them on social media. The statue in a way mocks the original ideals behind Buddhism and does not incorporate what the religion really means. Westerners must be very careful in their modernization of ancient religions, however. We must not allow current trends to upend thousands of years of philosophical thought and cultural heritage. And yet, the exuberant art piece speaks to people in their own language and provides the viewer with a very modern way of looking at religion in America.