CBS News online actually found a way today to cover the book — and classic Dharma-Burger — The Zen of Farting.

A new piece from the editor of the Sweden-based Asian Tribune (published by the World Institute for Asian Studies) makes no bones about the Tribune’s feelings about the phenomenon of the Dharma-Burger. (I can only imagine how they might react to that term in and of itself.)

A couple of excerpts:

Internet companies, institutes for massage, restaurants, resellers of furnishing, and breeders of exotic cats all adopt Buddha in their uninhibited capitalist interests. As well as leaching the symbolic meaning which adherents of Buddhism ascribe to the Enlightened One. Some resellers of these, as they are marketed, oriental objects, also advertise that their Buddha statues are traded fairly or subscribe to the criteria for fair production.

And:

The commercialization of Buddha is an insult to all adherents of the Buddhist tradition. And can be seen as an expression of the prevailing relation between the so called Third world and the postcolonial powers.

Some would say that this is just plain true.

Some would say you have to look at such things in a matter of context.

There’s certainly an argument that different views might largely be the result of fundamental cultural differences. But then it can be fairly said that certain aspects of certain of cultures have to be more conducive to practicing what the Buddha taught than others. After all, wasn’t the Buddha ultimately offering a path to a different kind of culture, one fueled not by outward, material pursuits but by the best of what resides inside us all?

Or is a “Buddha for Sale” maybe not so bad, because we need reminders everywhere we go, not least of all the marketplace?

And hey, each Buddha for Sale is one less Snuggie or Big Mouth Billy Bass or whatever.

Maybe, though, it’s becoming more like one more Big Mouth Billy Bass. (Or whatever.)

(Yikes!)

Anyway, what do you say? Check it out.

Comments welcome.

Reader Jaime sends this Dharma-Burger, yet another from Target superstores, who just can’t seem to get enough Dharma mojo. Jaime writes:

“For a while, Target has sold a line of dishes called “ZaZen.” They’re actually really nice dishes, but I don’t think they’ll help you clarify your true nature. Love the site.”

Thanks, Jaime!

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!

Yes: this is a real cover for a real album (Karma. Bloody. Karma.), by a real band — the notorious Cattle Decapitation.

With a name like that, you might think that these guys, who play metal in the death-metal/grindcore vein, are insensitive, bloodthirsty goons. But nope. They’re actually really quite concerned with such things as animal rights, vegetarianism, and the ecology.

The cover depicts a six-armed, knife-wielding, bull-headed figure that’s quite obviously a nod to the wrathful deities of tantric Buddhism (and also some of the gods of Hinduism).

It’s even levitating, in meditation, over the slaughterhouse drain. Strangely, it’s kind of a nice touch…

[This one's a "Dharma-Burger Classic," which is to say it's from our old, now-defunct blog. But maybe it's new to you?]

Reader Konchog Norbu writes: “Got maybe an obvious Dharma Burger: Karma Restaurant in DC, maybe 17th & K?  You’ll notice in the sign that they tout their ‘Karmargarita.’ Oy vey.

“On a more serious note, I thought y’all’d be interested in the fact that my teacher, the American tulku Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo, is making some really cool music, incorporating Dharma concepts, mantra, etc. Her “Revolution of Compassion” CD is forthcoming. It’s out this month. Love it if you could link this page.”

Glad to, KN, Hear it here.

[Another "Dharma-Burger Classic" from our original, now-defunct blog...]

In 1975, Lou Reed reached the heights of his own infamy with the release of Metal Machine Music, a double-LP-remember those?-of nothing but buzzing, screeching, loopy guitar feedback. Composed and recorded in what must have been the most speed-drenched episode of the musician’s life, MMM was met with equal parts adoration and revulsion.

These days, though, the always-adventuring Reed is not nearly so divisive. Hence, Hudson River Wind Meditations, his new album of “meditation music.” Lou’s songwriting has been of course famously reflective throughout most of his career (Metal Machine Music aside), but HRWM marks a true departure.

The album’s four wordless tracks were originally recorded by Reed to aid him in his tai chi and meditation practices, much of which were taught to him by Master Ren Guang-Yi (for whom Lou provided music and narration for an instructional tai chi DVD), and acupuncturist Dr. Shelley Peng.

His newest meditative arts teacher is Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche-though Reed is careful not to call himself a Buddhist. Explaining his relationship to Mingyur, he told the UK’s Times: “He teaches Buddhist philosophy so I’m a student of Buddhist philosophy. If he was teaching table tennis I would learn that.” However he does or doesn’t describe himself, it’s exciting to see Lou’s world and art continue to expand, especially to a longtime fan such as myself. Hopefully, he’ll put his newest insights into lyrics, next.

[These are more "Dharma-Burger Classics" – that is, they're from our old, defunct blog. But maybe they're new to you?]

Thanks to reader Miriam, who sends this photo of Guru Energy Drink.

Why “Guru”? Well, we’re not sure. The product is described thusly:

“GURU Energy Drink is an energy supplement scientifically designed for health conscious people who need to perform. Made from all-natural ingredients, GURU combines carefully chosen ingredients borrowed from ancient cultures around the world.”

Their website gets a little more to the point:

“Not unlike our boomer parents in the 60′s, today’s generation is going through a fundamental lifestyle change as it is reaching maturity. This lifestyle change influences everything we buy, from cosmetics, to music, to running shoes. [...]

“Accordingly, young consumers are making their choice of purchase not based solely on the product’s imagery, but mostly on the adoption of a holistic approach to living – an approach that reflects who they are and how they live. An approach that is almost spiritual in that it transcends boundaries and embodies a way of life. It is one that promotes life itself: living for the moment, living fully, living fast, and living healthy.

“Obvious in today’s dynamic street fashions, lifestyles of the new century are reflected by the growing popularity of electronic and urban music, the rising appeal of natural and organic products, and the soaring development of the Internet and wireless technologies. These lifestyles are as much in harmony with ancient holistic principles as they are with high-tech futuristic multi-media productions. And it is with this general and behavioural change in the landscape that GURU Energy Drink was born.”

Sounds like they know their marketing. You’d think they’d know enough to not make that so obvious.

Miriam also struck again with this shot of a Buddha-head from inside, you guessed it, Target:

And we found a couple ourselves, like the one at the bottom here:

It’s a sort of pseudo-Warholian faux-silkscreen Buddha image.

Sorry for the lousy quality…

This is surely one of the older Burger-y print ads we’ve seen yet:

It comes to us from the AMAZING website, Found in Mom’s Basement — a new fave.

Funny, this “guru” is only tangentially Dharmic in flavor. It’s like the art director said, “Gurus, or whatever… they sit cross-legged, don’t they? Just make her do that.”