9.03.2007
(Pagan) News of Note
My semi-regular round-up of articles, essays, and opinions of note for discerning Pagans and Heathens.
The Record takes a look at the spread of Santeria in the ranks of Major League Baseball, and interviews Chicago White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen about his public devotion to the Orisha.
"If you see my saints, you'll be like 'Golly, they're ugly ... They've got blood. They've got feathers. You go to the Catholic church, the (saints) have got real nice clothes. My religion, you see a lot of different things you never see."
The article lists MLB players Los Angeles Angels pitcher Francisco Rodriguez, Florida Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera, and the White Sox's pitcher Jose Contreras as active adherents to Santeria, while Cincinnati Reds shortstop Alex Gonzalez and Chicago Cubs infielder Ronny Cedeno have reportedly "experimented" with the faith. Sort of puts a whole new spin on post-game prayer doesn't it?
Over at Get Religion, Terry Mattingly looks at the latest round of news stories in the Veteran Pentacle Quest (involving the President's snub and subsequent apology to Roberta Stewart) and wonders where the conservative Christian religious groups and activists were during this fight over religious liberties?
"Did conservative religious groups take a stand on one side or the other in this case, or where they divided? I think many journalists would assume that conservative believers oppose the Wiccan case. I do not think that can be assumed, because many conservatives now realize that equal access means equal access and freedom of association means freedom of association."
But as commenters on the post (including me) pointed out, many conservative Christians have an irrational reaction to religious liberty and freedom cases involving Pagans. One conservative Republican Pagan was given the cold shoulder every time he approached a popular conservative pundit, while a Wiccan Army veteran was told outright by the American Center for Law and Justice they they "don't support Satanists". Kind of hard to build coalitions for a common goal with people who want nothing to do with you.
For those keeping track of China's recent move to ban unauthorized reincarnations (in order to lessen the influence of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile), the leaders of Tibetan Buddhism have issued a joint statement repudiating China's attempt to control the "living buddhas".
"The heads of all the religious schools of Tibetan Buddhism; the monks, nuns, mantra holders and other lay followers of the respective schools and the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration collectively issue this statement repudiating the so-called order no. 5 of China's State Administration of Religious Affairs that it is against the United Nation's Declaration of Human Rights and the PRC's constitution; that it is against history and the aspiration of the broad masses of people who believe in Tibetan Buddhism. Furthermore, it is a new weapon employed by the Chinese government to undermine Tibetan Buddhism, and to insult and oppress the Tibetan people."
Calls continue to either boycott, or use the Olympics to place pressure on China to respect the religious freedoms of the Tibetan people. Meanwhile tensions rise over what will happen once the current Dalai Lama passes on. Since the true Panchen Lama (the second-highest ranking lama) is being held by China, many believe that Ugyen Thinley Dorje, the 17th Karmapa will rise to leadership during the Dalai Lama's absence.
In a final note, the lottery win of Ellwood "Bunky" Bartlett continues to gain attention. Boing Boing opines: "Dude, talk about blessed be." The SoMA Review wonders if some lottery hopefuls might consider a conversion: "Christians who pray for lucky lottery tickets but never win might consider switching over to Wicca." But perhaps a truly fitting statement comes from a friend of Bunky's, who opens a post on her friend's win with: "And people say that Magick doesn't work."
That is all I have for now, have a good (Labor) day!
Labels: Baseball, Dalai Lama, Ellwood "Bunky" Bartlett, Get Religion, Paganism, reincarnation, Roberta Stewart, Santeria, Terry Mattingly, Tibet, Veteran Pentacle Quest, Wicca
8.05.2007
China Says Dalai Lama Can't Reincarnate
China continues its cultural and spiritual genocide on the people of Tibet. This time they have passed a law saying that no "living Buddha" can reincarnate without the express permission of China's State Administration for Religious Affairs.
"Tibet's living Buddhas have been banned from reincarnation without permission from China's atheist leaders. The ban is included in new rules intended to assert Beijing's authority over Tibet's restive and deeply Buddhist people. 'The so-called reincarnated living Buddha without government approval is illegal and invalid,' according to the order, which comes into effect on September 1. The 14-part regulation issued by the State Administration for Religious Affairs is aimed at limiting the influence of Tibet's exiled god-king, the Dalai Lama, and at preventing the re-incarnation of the 72-year-old monk without approval from Beijing."
The fourteenth and current Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, who is considered a reincarnation of Avalokiteshvar: the bodhisattva of compassion, has already announced that if he dies in exile so his successor will be born. This no doubt worries the government of China who have been trying to take over Tibetan Buddhism through imprisonments, persecutions, and laws designed to move all decision-making to Chinese officials. As China continues to "convert" Tibet into a mirror-image of the Chinese mainland, tensions among native Tibetans are rising.
"The atmosphere in Lithang, eastern Tibet, is tense and there are fears of a further security crackdown after a local Tibetan nomad, Runggye Adak, was detained after speaking about the Dalai Lama and his concern about social issues in the area to a crowd of hundreds of people gathered for the horse racing festival in Lithang ... According to various reports, many Tibetans congregated to protest about the arrest of Runggye and police had to fire warning shots in the air to disperse the crowds. Several Tibetans have sought the release of Runggye Adak from custody through dialogue with police and Kardze officials."
Of course no real pressure is being brought to China for these offenses, the US doesn't want to offends its number one "most-favored" trading partner and many American companies are more than willing to help China round up anyone who dares criticize the nation from within. But many are hoping that with China hosting the 2008 Olympics more political pressure can be brought against the nation for their abysmal record on human rights and their handling of Tibet. If you are interested in moving forward on this issue, there is a special website called "Race for Tibet" that discusses ways ordinary people can work towards real progress in Tibet.
Labels: Buddhism, China, Dalai Lama, reincarnation, Religion, Religious Freedom, Tibet
