This is Phil Jackson. He is the coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, he also coached Michael Jordan in Chicago. He’s won 11 NBA titles as a coach. He’s known as the “Zen Master,” and supposedly uses his Buddhist philosophy to make him a better coach. Regardless of your fan affiliation – the man is a good coach, 11 NBA titles speaks for itself. Granted, Jackson also incorporates many Native American religious practices too, and his father was a fundamentalist Christian preacher. However, for me – Zen Buddhism looks like Phil Jackson in this picture.
The man seems so centered. I picture him eating dinner and then saying, “Let’s go for a walk on the beach.” He dips his feet in, just up to his ankles – and the waves die down and stop. He turns around and his shirt is completely unbuttoned. Overall, he looks “Zenned out.” It looks like he’s getting ready to begin his Tai Chi regiment.
Brad Warner, in his book “Zen Wrapped in Karma, Dipped in Chocolate,” discussed the stereotypes on Buddhist practitioners. On page 26, Warner discussed the obvious ‘rip off’ Buddhists, “There were teachers who prattled on and on with cartoony sounding descriptions of heightened awareness that sounded like stuff from bad sixties acid-trip movies.” Jackson usually talks about how basketball is such a spiritual game. He’s very focused on a team being centered together as well – this would tide well with Buddhist stereotypes.
However, my next thought that would eliminate Phil Jackson from being a Buddhist practitioner stereotype is his salary (Jackson of course being a millionaire); however, Warner even discusses that. He talks about how being a butcher was not a “Buddhist” job – because you had to kill things. However, Warner quotes an interaction with a butcher where he puts down his cleaver, folds his hands and says to the patron, “‘Sir, do you see any meat in my shop that is not fresh?’ From this interaction the master learned that even a butcher can do his job in a Buddhist way, with attention, care, and respect” (12).
Jackson certainly fits this stereotype of being thorough and respectful – that is the Buddhist way.
Also, Phil Jackson was quoted with this little gem – whenever I’m in doubt, I always seek this advice: “If you meet the Buddha in the lane, feed him the ball.”
photo credit: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Create-a-caption-Your-true-moment-of-Zen?urn=nba-184427
1. What a great photo you found of Phil Jackson.
ReplyDelete2. I never knew he practiced Zen Buddhism and compared his games to being spiritual. I guess I am learning new facts every day. I consider the Buddhism religion to be spiritual and universal as well.
You did a good job incorporating Warner's book into Jackson's point of view when it comes to Buddhism. Seems like being "Zenned out" to him serves as the gateway to peace from all the chaos, stress and insanity on the basketball court.
I really think you chose a very unique approach to this assignment. Most people, including myself, put in clipart or comics of Buddhist stereotypes in America, but I think your idea of pinning a person as a living, breathing stereotype is not only brilliant, but very enjoyable to read through. I'm glad you chose Warner's points of people being rip-off artists and related it to Phil Jackson through your eyes. I also thought it was a good touch to cite the butcher example from the reading, and how one composes himself in his line of work can be a justifiable means to relate to humble Buddhist work. Very interesting and unique, thanks for the great read!
ReplyDeleteBen,
ReplyDeleteThis was a very interesting portrayal of Buddhism mixed in with modern day pragmatism! Especially being a strong Lakers fan, I found this to be even more fascinating!
Your analogy with the butcher is ideal in parallel with Jackson's path as well. I found it very interesting to see how Warner presented that the misconception that Buddhists in the West were only capable of holding jobs similar to 'yoga instructors' or 'therapists.' When he provides the analogy of the butcher, it serves as a wonderful example to show that the principles of Buddhism can be revealed in all actions and activities.
I think that Jackson's monetary status as a millionaire should be independent of his Buddhist practices, especially if he does not seek true attachment or desire in obtaining more and more money. I often picture him as someone who coaches basketball for the sake of being involved with the love of the game. After 11 championships, to stick around would probably be for that very reason.
I will certainly pass this on to many of my friends who play basketball, especially the Lakers fans! Thank for the wonderful find!!
-Kunal
I had no idea who this man was before reading your post, you have painted such a vibrant picture of him being 'zenned out' that I can at least laugh if I ever hear about/ see him again. Great job at incorporating Warner's book to Jackson's life (I guess, since I didn't know about him 'til 10 minutes ago). He must be doing something right if he is so awesome at what he does.
ReplyDeleteGreat job of finding a man who represents a modern day "Zen Master." It is difficult to find such a picture that breaks the stereotypes of a Buddhist. With his chest and stomach out for the world to see, with no orange robe draping his body. Being an NBA coach, he also is a great example of how being a Buddhist does not dictate your life to the point that you are subjected to a temple and meditating 24/7.
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