Secondly, thank you very much for taking the time to read the article and leave some feedback. I am very glad to have been able to share the results of the work I did and am happy to hear the article was at least of some use. Speaking about material possessions gave me a chuckle as I bought a new (well, used/new-to-me) guitar today. But I hope it will let me move to the next stage of playing (well, learning) and will serve as right livelihood (maybe not exactly “livelihood” per se but hobby at least).

Also, a few other general updates since the March publication-
1. To clarify the statement in the author’s note which Jose referenced (”I am, however, possibly the world’s authority on Buddhism in pop music so I guess it was worth it”): this was meant somewhat sarcastically and in jest. This article was one of the longest assignments I’ve done, and was difficult at times to compile. My joke was in reference to the difficulty of finding articles about Buddhist music, something I still believe is under reported. However, the “Works cited” section should give others a good starting base. I don’t intend to be boastful or claim some sort of title or violate the right speech section of the eightfold path. But I’m sure you knew that.

2. I received an email from André de Wit
[quote]As a Dutch SGI member I have maybe some interesting news for you. In
Netherlands now lives an American musician called Joseph Bowie. He is a SGI
member, musician and founder of Defunkt and Kosen-rufu organisation. Check out
the websites http://www.Defunkt.com and http://www.kosen-rufu.com. Please mention him on your
website. he’s as important as Herbie Hancock and Tina Turner.
Greetings,
André de Wit
The Netherlands[/quote]

3. Shortly around the time I was wrapping up and publishing this article, I came across The Worst Horse and immediately began wishing I had come across it sooner as it would have saved an enormous amount of time. The Worst Horse is a site describing itself as “pop- and sub-culture for dharma people. dharma for pop- and sub-culture people.” Of particular note in this case is their collection of links under categories “hip hop” and “music (general)”. While pop-Buddhism is often criticized for being too commercial or simply something that’s fashionable, it should be admitted that American Buddhism is developing into something of its own. While its fine to be wary of the latest product with the word zen slapped on its packaging, The Worst Horse is a righteous collection of the new dharma and I definitely recommend you give the site a look.

Until next time, namaste and all that jazz. -Liam

A Buddhist approach to building a Music Studio
A real problematic part has always been building a studio, which seemed a lot like attaching to all sorts of instruments and recording equipment one does not really need. It appeared to be fueling a desire to buy more and more equipment, and that seemed down-right wrong. But as you quoted maxi jazz, as long as you don’t put material possessions before spiritual development, there is nothing wrong with having some equipment. You have to be aware in your approach to recording gear, not blindly wanting everything, and aiming for those things which really help you towards the goals you have set for yourself. Don’t be sidetracked by all the pretty gear, just get what you need and make a lot of music. Furthermore, the attitude of getting rid of instruments because you see them as material possessions you’re attached to is not the right way to go. You don’t have to get rid of the possessions, you have to deal with the mind that clings to the possessions.

Your mentioning of a pro-active approach to Buddhism in the part on Duncan Sheik makes a lot of sense. Just excluding yourself from society, is not what the middle way teaches. By severely trying to detach yourself from something, that something has as much effect on you as it would if you indulged in it. Both extremes are therefore not a very desirable state. So once again: you don’t have to get rid of the possessions, you have to deal with the mind that clings to the possessions. You have to go out in the world and try to make a difference, whichever way you can. If that way happens to be music, than let that be your way of helping others.

Thank you very much for your article.
Simon

I couldn’t resist taking a quick look at it. Looks very interesting. I look forward to reading it more thoroughly when I have the time. In the mean time, congrats. You may well BE the world’s expert on Buddhist pop music!

Jose