[Buddha-l] modern day Vimalakirtis

[Dan Lusthaus]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7148053.stm

"...in Japan, a group of Buddhist monks are trying to change that. They have
secured a regular spot at a jazz bar where they seek to enlighten and
entertain."

[...]

"Then the chanting begins and strangely haunting melodies fill the space.
It is Shomyo chanting, a style of Buddhist chant found only in Japan."



[...]

"They think Buddhism is very difficult, and deep and serious, but Buddhism
is much more than that - exciting, funny even. I want to spread this kind of
teaching."

He feels people are more receptive in a bar, when they are drinking and with
friends.



Also go to
http://search.bbc.co.uk/cgi-bin/search/results.pl?tab=all&go=homepage&q=japan+monks+bar&scope=all



and click on the right to see a video.



Dan