I’ve written about them before here and on Shambhala SunSpace, but this not-unimportant post-punk turned full-on rock band is back (again) and referring to Buddhism in the press for the coming release of their new album, Choice of Weapon. As I say, this isn’t the first time; The Cult’s last album had some Buddhist themes, and singer Ian Astbury has spoken about his affinity for Tibetan Buddhism before, even writing a piece called “The Buddhist Way” for SPIN back in ’09.)

And The Cult’s weapon of choice? (more…)

Honestly, I think this Dharma-Burger is cool. It makes sense, it’s safe, it seems to be well-designed: It’s the electric butter lamp.

Really. Offered by “Offering Light” who describes the product as:

We design and create innovative electric butter lamps for butter lamp offerings, Buddhist lamp offerings & Tibetan light offerings. [...]

How do butter lamp offerings become safe and clean? Make them with flameless candles! Learn how you can brighten up your world with these electric butter lamps.

Our Offering Lights are a brand new illumination on this classic Tibetan Buddhist ritual. It uses earth-friendly, super low-energy LED flameless tea lights that flicker just like real candles! Order now–you’ll love them!

I don’t have one so can’t vouch for the product but I have no problem endorsing the idea and the spirit behind it. Check ‘em out here.

PS: Thanks to online friend Ross B. for bringing this to my attention.

Did you know Bugs Bunny traveled to Tibet? It’s true, NYC’s Rubin Museum of Art tells us by way of its Facebook feed, providing this classic comic book cover as proof…

The Rubin offers us the opportunity to “learn more about how prevailing perceptions of Tibet and the visual narrative evolved over time.” Their exhibit, Hero, Villain, Yeti: Tibet in Comics opens December 9, 2011. Click here for details. You’ll see comics discussed here on the Horse, like the Green Lama, plus much more like, Milarepa and Dalai Lama comics(!).

PS: Comics or not, The Rubin would be a must-see anyway!

“[T]here’s been a detour in Gomo Tulku’s spiritual journey,” reports NPR. “He’s about to release his first rap recording.”

Now, comments on the piece, so far, don’t seem to be in the Rapping Lama’s favor. But listen for yourself and see what you think.

Of course, there’s nothing new about the Buddhism/hip-hop crossover. And like anything, the results have been all over the map. You’ll find some gems — and otherwise — in the Horse’s archives.

Thanks to Colleen Ann K. for the tip.

After playing Tibet House’s annual benefit this year, Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne is wondering about Tibet’s situation. According to Spinner, he’s said of Tibet House (and, presumably, its mission to preserve Tibetan culture):

“I’m not going to put it down — these are humane peaceful people trying to do something. That being said, if I had been oppressed for [this long], I think I’d just accept it and say ‘Who gives a s—?’” …Yes, that does sound bleakly negative and resigned, but Coyne turns his view to himself and qualifies things: “Kind people that make the world a better place, but I don’t know if I’m like that.” (More, via Spinner, here.)

Whether Wayne’s in for next year or no remains to be seen, but Tibet House still could benefit from your help and attention. Check out them here.

In a new video produced by Rolling Stone, Stipe talks about his involvement in last night’s benefit for New York City’s Tibet House.

Click through here to watch. (more…)

It would look that way.

By now you’ve probably seen the Super Bowl ad that, perhaps more than any other ever, got people talking: Groupon’s ad featuring Timothy Hutton. (Click here to see it in previous coverage.) Yes, it got people talking, but not in a good way. Its convoluted pro-Tibet messaging, which then turned on a dime into selfish concerns, will be legendary for the way it turned viewers off. Part of a campaign called “Save the Money,” the ad, and its ilk have been discontinued. (more…)

Tibetan hip-hop? Well, why not? …I mean, sure, it might look at first like they’re trying to be too Western in their approach — the regrettable inclusion of Auto-Tune doesn’t help things — but these ain’t like most Western rap lyrics. And: Dude who comes in at 1:10 kinda has the best voice and delivery EVER.

“New Generation” by Yudrug (Green Dragon) from HPeaks on Vimeo.

As you may have heard, Adam Yauch (aka MCA) of the Beastie Boys has been battling cancer, in the form of a tumor on his parotid gland. Earlier today news broke that he had been declared cancer free. As the Toronto Sun reports, the hoped-for diagnosis came after Yauch “adopted a strict vegan diet and turned to ancient Chinese medicine upon the advice of Tibetan doctors.”

But Yauch himself writes on the Beastie Boys website:

While I’m grateful for all the positive energy people are sending my way, reports of my being totally cancer free are exaggerated.

I’m continuing treatment, staying optimistic and hoping to be cancer free in the near future.

Hang in there, Yauch — we’ll keep the positive energy coming your way.