Yeah, it is very cool, but they cut the whole vocal off the back of that track.
BTW, I think the saxophonist in that bit has gone on to become the touring horn for Dave Matthews Band since their old guy passed away.
That looks like a guitar with a banjo body. I’m fairly certain it’s technically an electric banjo.
One can never be 100% sure, but I think the term “American Buddhists” says a lot! In the case of the few folks that I have met who speak of being Buddhist there is something of a romantic notion about it. In the same way many in the left seem to hold “pacifism” in some kind of high regard, as with many that I know on the left who are vegetarian. There is this image of nobility, for being or pretending to be Buddhist, for not eating animals, for being “pacifist” ~ an heir of superiority. I think there is a kind of elitism in it. Obviously, this ain’t Buddhism and exists in many worldviews and religions. Often, in contradiction to the tenets of such a faith or ideology.
People that I know who are on the right who are vegetarian may do so for a variety of reasons, but aside from a little good natured kidding around they really don’t care what others think and they don’t feel a compulsion to “convert” or convince others to come around to their way of seeing, or eating.
For this matter, I like to take something of a “Clintonian” spin on reality when addressing these unhappy herbivores; unless I actually have the flesh of an animal in my mouth, I am as good a vegetarian as anyone else. As I type to you right now, I am a vegetarian. So, I can not be diminished by such haughty plant-eaters.
My acquaintance was simply saying that he was going to use the matter of claiming to be a Buddhist, whether he actually considers himself to be one, to get out of jury duty. I have such low opinion of this notion that I am actually somewhat conflicted on the term that I use to describe this person; friend or acquaintance.
Certainly, and from what I have read and understand, this is not the Buddha Darhma either.
I still couldn’t find the quote on pacifism that I was looking for. Thought it was Lewis, maybe Chesterton? I did however see this one;
“Everyone’s a pacifist between wars. It’s like being a vegetarian between meals.” ~ Colman McCarthy
;0)
Whatever it's called I really like it. The film being so dark, at first I didn't see the guitar part of the body. He played it fantastically. Kind of lead guitar style but banjo sound. The "duel" with the sax was terrific!
I'm afraid there really is a form of Buddhism evolving that could be called American Buddhism or Western Buddhism and it's a cafeteria style spirituality. "New Age" probably pegs it pretty well but there's a plethora of cobbled together spiritual philosophies that fit under that banner.
Americans have a tendency to take anything they encounter and try to improve on it. That works out well for music, science, sports, art, food ... firearms and weapons designs. Business ie capitalism. (At least we were at the top of that game.) But, IMO, I think it's a mistake to take a religion or spiritual tradition and try to "fix it up." Especially by those who haven't truly understood or mastered the tradition in its original form.
I don't claim to have true understanding or mastery but I can certainly see that those who are "tinkering" with Buddhism don't either. Apart from my own opinion on that my teacher has been quite clear about his opinion and it isn't a happy opinion. Perhaps the true strains of practice will endure over time and the faddish ones will wither but there is a real risk that the authentic Buddha Dharma will not survive.
I am actually somewhat conflicted on the term that I use to describe this person; friend or acquaintance.
Maybe "a guy I know" would suffice. lol
But seriously; at least he associates himself with something that has positive values even if he hasn't fully appreciated what it's about. He could be out jacking cars, smuggling dope or running ponzi schemes and feeling just fine about himself. There are worse things to be than a Sunday Christian or a T-shirt Buddhist. ;^)