Perhaps you’ve seen the shirt at left. It’s a new arrival at the webstore of our friends at NYC’s Interdependence Project. You may also have seen it on the mega-tech-and-culture website, BoingBoing. If so, what was your reaction?
I know that I was immediately taken by it when I first saw it: I’m a “T-shirt kind of guy” who is generally happy to support the IDP and who, incidentally, has undertaken some “death awareness practice” with a Buddhist teacher. So if this shirt has a “target market,” I’d be it, right? But no.
In fact, after posting a little “announcement”-style write-up about the shirt over on The Worst Horse, I started to reflect more on what the shirt was trying to say, and I wrote directly to Ethan Nichtern of the IDP to share my concerns. Ethan was cool, saying that this could be a subject for just the kind of online dialogue that he believes should be taking place, and he encouraged me to post something up on the IDP’s blog. (That attitude is just one example of why I’m an overall supporter of the IDP.)
So that’s what I did. And I hope you’ll comment and contribute to the dialogue. You can leave a comment here or, on my post at the Interdependence Project site, titled “Sure, ‘This Body Will Be a Corpse’ … but should I wear a shirt that says so?”
(via Facebook) Well, T-shirts sell words that sometimes do not mean anything, or sometimes T-shirts sell words that are lies, or even T's sell words that may be truth for some, etcetera; this particular example, at least, states the Obvious Truth, and a fact we must all agree upon, which is difficult in the state of affairs we live in– and I mean "the agreeing upon" part.
Justin L:
…if I did not have WAY too many shirts already I would get one… Sure its a "shock value" approach to making a statement… SO WHAT!…those that "know" will get the gist of it, for some of those that don't maybe it will stir up some type of contemplation or even dialogue with the one wearing it, and for those that may be in some way "offended" by it, well quite bluntly, that is their problem… Their ignorance… Their own samsaric hang up to deal with!
Joan B:
it's the truth! and for that, I think it should be worn by all. We're so skimish here in the West about death, we have no preparations for the dying. I would wear that in a heartbeat and then some!
Judy WF:
while I know it's inevitable (impermanence) not sure I want to rush this statement.
More on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/shambhala-sun/wo…
Its like trying to force the teachings on someone else. In the case of the common layperson, a more subtle approach is probably necessary. This has been called "skillful means" in the past, and for the most part, this shirt would not be "skillful" with the general populace. With younger people and those who enjoy more non-conventional forms of expression, its very well may be "skillful means".
The personal realization of this awareness as a constant reality – that is another story and something that every serious practitioner will eventually have to embrace. At that point its no longer just a message on a t-shirt but a constant perception of the human condition – as in, living every moment in the face of impending death.
Its vital to realize this fully in oneself. Reminding everyone else about it is not nearly as important or valuable.
it's a freaking t-shirt. t-shirts should either (1) have really cool and interesting graphics on them, or (2) say something funny, or (3) promote some concrete worthy cause.
Ideally a t-shirt should try to meet 2 of the above criteria.
But the world does not need grim, mawkishly preachy t-shirts.
I should probably add that I own a t-shirt that says "Tibetan Olympic Corpse Wrestling Team" and is illustrated (quite well), complete with rotting flesh and all that
it's the truth! and for that, I think it should be worn by all. We're so skimish here in the West about death, we have no preparations for the dying. I would wear that in a heartbeat and then some!
(Via Facebook): As compassion is at the heart of Buddhism, I would suggest that there are many scenarios where one may not be compassionate when wearing this T-shirt. Personally, I find it completely useful to continuously remind myself of the reality of p…hysical mortality. I have meditated in graveyards and find that dancing skeletons are appropriate, but that works for me. Having cared for the sick and dying, I also feel that what is appropriate for me, while it may encourage my practice and correct viewpoint, may cause distress to others. Not all can react correctly to a shock message or a Zen slap in the face. Erring on the side of compassion is always appropriate.