Photo via Mister 536 (on flickr.com)
Back in June, we’d told you this was possibly going to happen — though one had to wonder if it was a prank.
But, nope, it seems to be official: today LA Lakers forward Ron Artest will have his name legally changed to Metta World Peace. As his publicist says about the name, “Metta is his official first name; which in the Buddhist tradition means loving-kindness and friendliness toward others and his last name is World Peace.” (Though Artest might want to see the article by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, which contends that an more appropriate translation of metta might be “goodwill.”)
More on the name-change here, via this CNN article — which reminds us that we’ll soon be hearing the name Metta World Peace on Dancing With The Stars.
And of course, if you’d like to assign yourself a pseudo-Buddhist name, there’s always My Buddhist Name, an online name generator. Let us know what you get. As for me, I’m apparently “Prince Dharma Intent.”
Does this mean his Lakers jersey next year will read "Word Peace" on the back? Pretty amusing for one of the toughest and most aggressive defenders in the NBA. I have to admit I'll enjoy the irony as "World Peace" jams a sharp elbow into the mouth of an opposing player, but I am glad that his jersey won't read "Metta." Goodness knows enough deep and serious Buddhist terms have already been debased. Or am I not being "Zen" enough?
Buddhist terms debased? Hahaha…..
Call him whatever ya want…just don't call him late for dinner! Yum!
I am King Dharma Born Freedom. A tad too long for a tee- shirt. Maybe "Kindh BoFree" for short!
or King Immovable Eye for short
He can change his name, passport, and drivers license, but the person will always be the same, which is "Ron Artest". I will still remember him as Artest, not World Peace. The world can change without changing your name. I think Ron Artest needs to seek medical attention.
the person will always be the same? you do know this is a website about buddhism, right? you might want to look into it… or at least seek some kind of therapy for your perverse thoughts