And The Cult’s weapon of choice? The dorje – in Buddhism, a symbol of enlightenment. In a new Rolling Stone article, we’re told the “shamanic figure” on the LP’s cover, seen here, is holding a dorje… but I must confess I’m not quite able to make it out. (Perhaps in full-size?) Anyway, Astbury talks about the dorje, and a lot more — really, worth the quick read — in the interview, here.

And if you wanna hear “Lucifer,” the lead single from the record, you preview it via the Rolling Stone link above, or download it via the band’s website.

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.

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!

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.

“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.

Click through here to watch.

(Sorry; you’ll have to watch a little ad first.)

For more from Tibet House about Thursday night’s benefit — which also included The Roots, the Flaming Lips, and more — click here. And here’s a review of the event via the Village Voice.

A new message on Groupon’s blog reads that “We hate that we offended people, and we’re very sorry that we did — it’s the last thing we wanted. We’ve listened to your feedback, and since we don’t see the point in continuing to anger people, we’re pulling the ads.” Even though “Save the Money” was intended to raise money for good causes like Tibet (Groupon states they pulled in $500,000 for these causes), the campaign failed and the SavetheMoney website, which played the ads and also collected donations, has been pulled. See the Groupon blogpost, “One last post on the Super Bowl,” here.

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

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.