Fascination and Appropriation: Readings on the Commercialization of Buddhism

Abstract

This paper discusses the present-day cultural appropriations of Buddha and Buddhism and the consumerist avenues that make the misrepresentation of the religion easy. The interventions of new age spiritualism have reduced Buddha idols and other traditions of the religion to mere pieces of décor which has affected significantly, the modern perceptions of Buddhism. Buddha idol with its aesthetic appeal is perceived today as ‘cool’, consumable and marketable, all of which effectively facades the ongoing defilement of the spiritual symbol. The idea that Buddhist images would reflect and imbibe peace, serenity and inner happiness is the chief strategy that invariably sells all these products and the notion gains momentum in the present age of globalization, which is essentially competitive, tiresome and absurd. However not all Buddhist communities are ready to look over these sacrilegious acts for, countries like Sri Lanka consider it an offence to use Buddhist symbols as an ornament or décor. The popular conception of Buddhism as a calm, secular religion has also contributed to its massive dissemination in the consumer world which reduced it into a commercial product like many other.