September 13, 2547 [2004]
Dear friends in the dhamma,

Recently a movie ad was brought to our attention, as we reported in an article of our newsletter

[From the Newsletter section:]

On September 7th 2547 [2004] the local newspapers Daily News and Matichon printed the news and picture of Hollywood director Philippe Caland’s ad for his movie Hollywood Buddha, with the ad depicting him sitting on a Buddha’s statue’s head.
 

The newspapers also said that the teachings were inaccurately portrayed, which is not illegal; but a matter of serious religious offense in the Buddhist belief according to the Tipitaka, where the results will come in future lifetimes, mainly, and will follow the person relentlessly wherever he would be.

We Buddhist should apply khantidhamma [tolerance] when we see such ads, which doesn’t mean that we do not know the difference between good people, gentlemen, those well educated, and the lowlife.

What can we expect from those with such lowlife behaviour.

[End article]

Since then the poster has been altered, as below:

We see that the image is still being used to draw attention, 'See It for Yourself' and even an invitation to see a 'new poster' to be 'revealed' later, on the date just before the film is released.  So they will continue to use this poster until then, since they used this to draw attention to the movie very successfully.

Also added to the poster is the message, Click HERE for a statement from Philippe Caland, which reads,

A nice acceptable apology except for the middle paragraph, in our opinion.  The posters, although altered, were not removed at least from the website.  It is still used, as we can see above.  We are invited to 'See It for Yourself' to see a 'new poster' to be 'revealed' later, on the day just before the film is released.

Another interesting statement is that 'The image was created by combining two photographs and never did anyone sit on a Buddha statue'.  Which reminds us of the standard movie disclaimer that 'No animal has been harmed in the making of this movie.'

Of course all who are interested in Thai Buddha statues, whether Buddhists or of any other beliefs would know that there are no bronze or golden statues of that period and style big enough for Caland to climb onto, and if there were the local population and/or the guards would not have allowed that, or if indeed a guard did, he would have been duly punished by the laws of the land.

As we see, some people would have no qualms about abusing religious artifacts for commercial advertisements, towards monetary ends.  They expect to insult others, apologize and promise to remove the offensive material, and then continue to benefit from their advertisements in as many ways possible, and still expect to sell their product to the Buddhist world.  We hope that we can show them it is better to be less devious and plan the promotion better, since there are many great movies out there that never had to resort to matterial offensive to whatever religion to have great success.  We may be tolerant and understanding, but it doesn't mean that we don't see what is going on or avoid doing anything about it; the bhikkhus may be prohibited by vinaya from defending themselves or their religion, but we laity are not, in fact it is our duty to do so, if in a non violent, reasonable way; even from the acts of a man who claims he is Buddhist: after all the Buddha predicted that other religions cannot destroy Buddhism, only Buddhists [or those who claim to be] can.  Buddhism never rejoiced over 'prodigal sons' in the Tipitaka, although in the case of minor offenses, they can indeed mend their broken siilas.  Devadata never made it back [because of his own unfortunate demise] to ask the Buddha's forgiveness, although he was on his way to apologize to his cousin.

We don't want anything bad to happen to this misled man, although his own kammasakata will befall him someday, as each person's will.  Nor do we think we should ignore the fact that he has indeed intentionally insulted us with his apologies and declarations which are not supported by his actions.  Let us all, Buddhists of the WFB as well our friends all over the world refuse to buy their products, whether clothing or movies, that are abusive to fellow Buddhists.  Buddhist countries that have laws protecting them from such depictions will certainly apply them, but even if we happen to be in countries that allow this film to be shown, everyone is invited to join us in leaving this film to others; and go to films where no such low tactics were used as promotional devices.  Perhaps this will also keep these unscrupulous film makers/promotors from creating images of themselves seated atop Jesus' head, or God's head, or Allah's or Muhammed's turbans in the future.  We must congratulate these film makers/promoters on their success in drawing public attention, but they should have thought of a better way.  Let us provide an example that we would not let them insult us, intentionally or not, and benefit from it by getting our money [or support] as well.

Amara Chayabongse

Webmaster, World Fellowship of Buddhist Headquarters Website
 

  Please send your comments to webmaster@wfb-hq.org
 
 
 

September 13th, 2547 [2004]