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Thread: Mercedes Benz X Zazen

  1. #1

    Mercedes Benz X Zazen

    I just saw this on the Japanese TV and must admit I have no idea what the real message is ...

    http://mercedes-amg.jp/zazen/en/index.html

    ... besides "materialism is not the way, buy a Mercedes for true inner peace!"

    The Benz folks must have made quite an ad presentation ... and donation ... somewhere!

    Gassho, J
    Last edited by Jundo; 11-14-2013 at 03:54 PM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  2. #2
    Possibly an invitation for comparison with the Porsche 'Prajña'??


    Gassho,
    Edward
    "Recognize suffering, remove suffering." - Shakyamuni Buddha when asked, "Uhm . . .what?"

  3. #3
    Mp
    Guest
    Interesting ... I didn't get it, but maybe it is just a marketing ploy to draw us in?

    Gassho
    Shingen

  4. #4
    I think the real message is that advertisers will tap into anything currently perceived as cool in order to sell their product...


    Gassho
    Andy

  5. #5
    The poorly translated print ad accompanying the video says "Mercedes Benz and Zazen both go on a seek for ultimate perfection in their own respective way." Are we seeking ultimate perfection? I think not. Those who seek perfection will be very frustrated with Zen. Those monks, assuming they are not actors, are not perfect.

    The car, on the other hand, even if perfect, is just a temporary as the monks. In twenty years, it will likely be rust and rubble. "On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everything drops to zero."

    on a positive note, the cinematography is beautiful.

    gassho,
    william
    "First you have to give up." Tyler Durden

  6. #6
    Here is a Youtube version if the above link does not work ...

    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  7. #7
    Hello,

    sitting in an old VW and truly being present with your hurting ass, your greasy rear-view mirror and the rusty dashboard. Opening into the falling that is awakening to true beetlehood. That's more like Zazen.

    Gassho,

    Hans Chudo Mongen

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by William Anderson View Post
    The poorly translated print ad accompanying the video says "Mercedes Benz and Zazen both go on a seek for ultimate perfection in their own respective way." Are we seeking ultimate perfection? I think not. Those who seek perfection will be very frustrated with Zen. Those monks, assuming they are not actors, are not perfect.

    The car, on the other hand, even if perfect, is just a temporary as the monks. In twenty years, it will likely be rust and rubble. "On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everything drops to zero."

    on a positive note, the cinematography is beautiful.

    gassho,
    william
    I can tell, those are real Japanese Soto Zen Priests, not actors.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  9. #9
    Mp
    Guest
    Ok ... I see it now ... that is Jundo behind the wheel. Nice skills.

    Gassho
    Shingen

  10. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by Jundo View Post
    I can tell, those are real Japanese Soto Zen Priests, not actors.
    Wow. Nice to know. Thank you.

    Gassho,
    William
    "First you have to give up." Tyler Durden

  11. #11
    The "gag", apparently, is one monk's fascination with the vehicle (per EEG monitor) and receiving whacks.

    BIG contribution, indeed!


    Gassho,
    Edward
    "Recognize suffering, remove suffering." - Shakyamuni Buddha when asked, "Uhm . . .what?"

  12. #12
    seems like they were going for
    a Mercedes Benz will captivate the mind of anyone....kind of thing
    Humbly,
    清竜 Seiryu

  13. #13
    Nice car

    gassho,
    合掌,生開
    gassho, Shokai

    仁道 生開 / Jindo Shokai

    "Open to life in a benevolent way"

    https://sarushinzendo.wordpress.com/

  14. #14
    That's like the priest's car you see at the temples on top of the mountains in Chichibu after you climbed the 135 steps to get up there
    合掌,生開
    gassho, Shokai

    仁道 生開 / Jindo Shokai

    "Open to life in a benevolent way"

    https://sarushinzendo.wordpress.com/

  15. #15
    You all don't get it!
    The real message of this ad is - of course! - Mercedes have Buddha-nature.


    Gassho,

    Timo
    no thing needs to be added

  16. #16
    Quote Originally Posted by Seiryu View Post
    seems like they were going for
    a Mercedes Benz will captivate the mind of anyone....kind of thing

    Yes exactly,

    Basically the message is even Zen priests can't relax around the exciting new car; as proven by all the "scientists" monitoring the situation.

    As for me, if Zen has taught me anything, my car I have is enough.

    Gassho C

  17. #17

    Lightbulb

    Quote Originally Posted by LimoLama View Post
    You all don't get it!
    The real message of this ad is - of course! - Mercedes have Buddha-nature.


    Gassho,

    Timo
    Q: Master, does a car have Buddha nature?

    A: Mu-cedes.


    Gassho,
    William
    "First you have to give up." Tyler Durden

  18. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by LimoLama View Post
    You all don't get it!
    The real message of this ad is - of course! - Mercedes have Buddha-nature.


    Gassho,

    Timo
    Ha!

  19. #19

  20. #20
    Quote Originally Posted by Nenka View Post
    mahayana.jpg

    Gassho,

    Jen
    okay, Jen. I "want" that bumper sticker in a very desirous way. It is making me suffer that I don't have it and that I have never seen it before. Nice find! (Just kidding about the desiring and the suffering, by the way.)

    gassho,
    william
    Last edited by Juki; 11-14-2013 at 05:18 PM.
    "First you have to give up." Tyler Durden

  21. #21
    I love that bumper sticker

    Gassho

    Willow

  22. #22
    Sorry but perhaps I'm just stupid but is the point that most if not all the monks got distracted by the car - which could be seen by measuring their brain waves, hence their beating with kyosaku. The message = Mercs can tempt you away from enlightenment or something of the sort? What do I know....!!! Nice car tho' In my past life I used to have an Audi TT sport - doesn't compare with zazen. Gassho Taikyo

  23. #23
    Below the ad, this important notice

    * This film has been made with the cooperation of Buddhist monks.
    Interpretation of the meanings/aims, the postures of Zazen differs between denominations and temples.
    The driving scenes were filmed with a professional driver on a closed circuit.
    For your own safety, DO NOT attempt.


    Now....the last line, is about the driving....or the Zazen???

    Gassho
    Thank you for your practice

  24. #24
    Treeleaf Priest / Engineer Sekishi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Virginia, USA
    Seeing as nearly all advertising is based on emotional appeal, I want to see the monks hooked up to an EEG / MEG while watching the ad!

    As an aside, it is always giggle and/or cringe worthy to see the many ways the trappings of the Dharma are used to sell stuff (or at least is integrated into pop culture). I've noticed that the convenience store down the road from me sells some sort of chemical / herbal "male enhancement" that is simply called "Zen". There are lots more examples at the home of the "Dharma Burger" at: http://theworsthorse.com/

    I suppose they are good teachers. When I see them and feel sad I know I have identified another attachment.

    -Eric

  25. #25
    Do they really use the kyosaku in that way? 20 lashes because you flinched!

    But I agree with Hans...the ad would be more realistic with a beat up VW.

    Gassho,
    Dosho

  26. #26
    Quote Originally Posted by Koshin View Post
    Below the ad, this important notice

    * This film has been made with the cooperation of Buddhist monks.
    Interpretation of the meanings/aims, the postures of Zazen differs between denominations and temples.
    The driving scenes were filmed with a professional driver on a closed circuit.
    For your own safety, DO NOT attempt.


    Now....the last line, is about the driving....or the Zazen???

    Gassho
    The message just above says this:



    Now, that clears things up!
    Last edited by Jundo; 11-14-2013 at 06:35 PM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  27. #27
    So let me get this straight. If I become an ascetic monk, I get a new Mercedes? No wonder Sunim is in Berlin!

  28. #28
    Aaaaaawwwww, that one poor monk. After many years of practicing non attachment, he lost his concentration after seeing the new car after all. The teacher, embarrassed and a bit aggravated, punishes his disciple for his lack of perseverance. Mercedes won! There is the proof. No one can stay cool after seeing this car. Not even Zen monks!

    A very Walt Disney view of Zazen I think? Still like the commercial and the car though!

    Thanks for sharing Jundo!

    Gassho
    Mu

  29. #29
    Quote Originally Posted by Enkyo View Post
    Aaaaaawwwww, that one poor monk. After many years of practicing non attachment, he lost his concentration after seeing the new car after all. The teacher, embarrassed and a bit aggravated, punishes his disciple for his lack of perseverance. Mercedes won! There is the proof. No one can stay cool after seeing this car. Not even Zen monks!

    A very Walt Disney view of Zazen I think? Still like the commercial and the car though!

    Thanks for sharing Jundo!

    Gassho
    I echo that

  30. #30
    Hi,
    I'm sure they'll be able to fix the temple roof now.
    Gassho
    Myozan

  31. #31

  32. #32
    I don't care if it was a professional driver. There is no way I would sit there while a tricked out car raced around me. Reminds me of my teenage years when spinning out in parking lots. Rating is juvenile PG13. 👎



    Kind regards. /\
    _/_
    Rich
    MUHYO
    無 (MU, Emptiness) and 氷 (HYO, Ice) ... Emptiness Ice ...

    https://instagram.com/notmovingmind

  33. #33
    If that's what it was for then it was probably worth it.

    Because if I had to choose enlightenment or no more leaky roof I would choose no more leaky roof every time.

    Gassho,
    Dosho

    Quote Originally Posted by Myozan Kodo View Post
    Hi,
    I'm sure they'll be able to fix the temple roof now.
    Gassho
    Myozan

  34. #34
    Actually, I had a very similar experience. My wife's dad and brother were amateur race car drivers. Brother took me out in his stock car for a run around the track here in Japan. I "Zazen'd" the curves.

    Yes, Zazen straightens out the bends and one finds straightaway stillness at 125 mph (200km/h).

    Gassho, J

    By the way, that happened to be at the famous race course near our town here in Tsukuba. It looked much like this ...

    Last edited by Jundo; 11-15-2013 at 07:17 AM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  35. #35
    Brings new meaning to running on empty...

    Gassho
    Matt

  36. #36
    Apparently, this is not the first time that Mercedes has gone for the whole Buddhist thing ...

    Last edited by Jundo; 11-15-2013 at 11:38 PM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  37. #37
    Hi,
    A case of Woody Allen and the vodka ad?
    Gassho
    Myozan

  38. #38
    Mercedes has a way of adapting to local cultures and markets. This way people would get emotionally invested on the brand and buy their cars.

    I love this ad because of the production. It's flawless and visually beautiful.

    But I wonder if the Japanese Buddhists fall for it. I guess they do.

    Anyway... I'm still waiting for my Mercedes. Not here yet

    Gassho,

    Kyonin
    Hondō Kyōnin
    奔道 協忍

  39. #39
    Yugen
    Guest
    I'm a Volvo man myself.....

    Deep bows
    Yugen

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/1...ef=mostpopular

  40. #40
    Nindo
    Guest
    So ein Schwachsinn ... what crap.
    "The best or nothing" - nothing for me please. I am part of the minority of North American families who don't own a car.

  41. #41
    Well that was interesting
    I don't care if it was a professional driver. There is no way I would sit there while a tricked out car raced around me. Reminds me of my teenage years when spinning out in parking lots. Rating is juvenile PG13. ��

    Kind regards. /\
    I would sit there, provided that was "...the Stig's Japanese cousin!" behind the wheel.

    My cars underpinnings are Mercedes E-and C class bits, so I must be getting close... er something, the ad is partly right in my experience as those Merc bits really can't handle the nasty roads here and are often displaying impermanence and require lots of opportunities for "practice". Like my car for what it does, I am a gear head/petrol head but... its just a bleeping car!! lol.

    Gassho
    Shohei

  42. #42
    Treeleaf Unsui Shugen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Redding California USA
    Nice! A Top Gear reference.

    Gassho


    Shugen
    Meido Shugen
    明道 修眼

  43. #43
    Quote Originally Posted by Shohei View Post

    I would sit there, provided that was "...the Stig's Japanese cousin!" behind the wheel.
    hahahaha...count me in if so

    Gassho
    Thank you for your practice

  44. #44
    I guess the message is that zazen is good for nothing.

    Gassho, Ben
    Gassho
    Ben

  45. #45
    Todays Zazenkai featured the MercedesBuddha on the Altar as our Buddha Statue.



    (I explain about why we are bowing down to a hood ornament here. One reason is that I could not find a real Benz and drive it into our little Zendo!)

    http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...l=1#post115402

    I hope some more folks will sit this special Benzazenkai with us, with the realtime vid here ...

    http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...l=1#post115400

    Gassho, J
    Last edited by Jundo; 11-16-2013 at 04:24 PM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  46. #46
    I'd be happy with the bumper sticker too!
    Last edited by Heisoku; 11-17-2013 at 11:31 AM.
    Heisoku 平 息
    Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home. (Basho)

  47. #47
    Quote Originally Posted by Jundo View Post
    I can tell, those are real Japanese Soto Zen Priests, not actors.
    Are you sure Jundo? I couldn't help but notice that their Okesa were just tied and not tucked. It may just be me though so just ignore me. XD

    Javier

  48. #48
    Quote Originally Posted by Bobman4671 View Post
    Are you sure Jundo? I couldn't help but notice that their Okesa were just tied and not tucked. It may just be me though so just ignore me. XD

    Javier
    Hello Javier,

    I had noted that too.



    Turns out that they are Japanese Tendai priests ...



    Tendai-shu is what Dogen was before he was a Zen Priest, and many other Buddhist Teachers in old Japan (Nichiren, for example) came out of Tendai too. Not to speak of a school to which I do not belong, but Tendai is rather a "kitchen sink" school that includes many elements of Buddhist practice including the esoteric, Pure Land and Zen/Zazen all mixed together.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tendai

    Gassho, Jundo
    Last edited by Jundo; 11-21-2013 at 10:59 AM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  49. #49
    Remember this one?

    Kind regards. /\
    _/_
    Rich
    MUHYO
    無 (MU, Emptiness) and 氷 (HYO, Ice) ... Emptiness Ice ...

    https://instagram.com/notmovingmind

  50. #50
    Remember this one?

    "Mercedes Benz"


    Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
    My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends.
    Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,
    So Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?

    Oh Lord, won't you buy me a color TV ?
    Dialing For Dollars is trying to find me.
    I wait for delivery each day until three,
    So oh Lord, won't you buy me a color TV ?

    Oh Lord, won't you buy me a night on the town ?
    I'm counting on you, Lord, please don't let me down.
    Prove that you love me and buy the next round,
    Oh Lord, won't you buy me a night on the town ?

    Everybody!
    Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
    My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends,
    Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,
    So oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?


    Kind regards. /\
    _/_
    Rich
    MUHYO
    無 (MU, Emptiness) and 氷 (HYO, Ice) ... Emptiness Ice ...

    https://instagram.com/notmovingmind

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