Reader Norbert Huebner (from Frankfurt am Main, Germany) sent this one in June of ’07:

“I do not know if this 2005 Dharma Burger is fresh enough for your purposes but I consider it a must-have: the infamous Dalai Lama doll.

“The story: The German retailer and designer of toy dolls Marcel Offermann had launched a ‘Pope’ doll in a limited edition of 999 pieces to honor the newly elected pope Benedict. The dolls were manufactured by the renowned traditional toy manufacturer Schildkroet, apparently using existing molds with just custom coloring and clothing. The pope doll gained considerable media coverage and became a much sought after collectors item. In 2005 when H. H. the Dalai Lama turned 70 a ‘Dalai Lama’ doll followed (at a retail price of EUR 165,-).

I do not believe the doll is blasphemic, particular bad taste or something – to me it’s just, well, utterly pointless. Of course I am a big fan of TWH which ranks in the top of my dharma bookmarks– please keep up the great work!”

Thanks, Norbert!