BILLY CORGAN DISCUSSES HOW MEETING A BUDDHIST MONK HELPED LEAD HIM TO GOD
In a new interview with Shambhala Sunspace, Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan discussed his spirituality. Here is an excerpt:
A Rolling Stone article about the life and death of the Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch made a fleeting reference to the presence of Buddhist monks at the Tibetan Freedom Concerts (organized by Yauch, and played by the Smashing Pumpkins and others) having an impact on you, pulling you from the brink of suicidal depression. What was it about them?
“There was one monk, sort of the head guy. He and I started having these daily conversations. He would call me aside and say, with a very happy, smiley face, “Why do you look so miserable?” I would complain about whatever was on my mind—the crowds, the band, the hazards of success—and he would laugh and say, “You know, it doesn’t have to be this way.” He never preached or tried to convert me to Buddhism or anything like that. He was, like a good teacher would, creating some curiosity.
Being raised a Catholic, I grew up with Jesus, but I recognized that there was more than one teacher. That monk lit the path for me; suddenly Jesus made more sense, and Eastern modality made more sense. It all started with those daily talks about just trying to be a little more conscious in my life and how I was creating my own misery.”
So that’s why the shaved head stays…
When will this site get off of Billy Corgan’s dick?
@chris cornhole. after feb.28, the papal coronation of dalai lama.
this explains why his music sucks.
yes I am a troll and I think vaginas are stinky
This must clearly be recent or he rejected a key principle, that being “if you can not do good for others, at least try to not harm”.
Similar to the do onto others as you would have them do onto you or love thy neighbor as you would love yourself.
There is a goal Yauch was seeking through knowledge of the bodhisattva prayer (and it’s explained in the lyrics of the song bodhisattva vow”) where you strive to not only enlighten yourself but seek to reach even further and take the pain of others onto yourself.
This is based on the principle that we are all one so that which hurts one of us hurts all, and that which heals one of us heals all.
I think Jesus had the same thing going on in the “when you hurt yourself you hurt me” space. I don’t remember the text at the moment.
Billy has a lot of healing to do of his own given his interview schedule of 2012. He has not only been creating his own misery but misery for others verbally. At least he recognizes it (now).
I hope he does something with it, minimally, musically.
In case you want the Yauch lyrics (RIP):
As I develop the awakening mind
I praise the Buddhas as they shine
I bow before you as I travel my path to join your ranks
I make my full time task For the sake of all beings
I seek The enlightened mind that I know I’ll reap
Respect to Shantideva and all the others
Who brought down the darma for their sisters and brothers
I give thanks for this world as a place to learn
And for this human body that I will have earned
And my deepest thanks to all sentient beings
For without them there would be no place to learn what I’m seeing There’s nothing here that’s not been said before
But I put it down now so that I’ll be sure
To solidify my own views and I’ll be glad if it helps
Anyone else out too
If others disrespect me or give me flack
I’ll stop and think before I react
Knowing that they’re going through insecure stages
I’ll take the opportunity to exercise patience
I’ll see it as a chance to help the other person
Nip it in the bud before it can worsen
A chance for me to be strong and sure
As I think on the Buddhas who have come before
As I praise and respect the good they’ve done
Knowing only love can conquer in every situation
We need other people in order to create
The circumstances for the learning that we’re here to generate Situations that bring up my deepest fears
So we can work to release them until they’re cleared Therefore, it only makes sense To thank our enemies despite their intent
The Bodhisattva path is one of power and strength
A strength from within to go the length
Seeing others are as important as myself
I strive for a happiness of mental wealth
With the interconnectedness that we share as one
Every action that we take affects everyone
So in deciding for what a situation calls
There is a path for the good of all
I try to make my every action for that highest good
With the altruistic wish to achieve buddhahood
So I pledge here before everyone who’s listening
To try to make my every action for the good of all beings
For the rest of my lifetimes and even beyond
I vow to do my best to do no harm
And in times of doubt I can think on the dharma
And the enlightened ones who’ve graduated samsara
(c) Beastie Boys Written by Adam Yauch
Christine, very good dear. Namaste.
“Being raised a Catholic, I grew up with Jesus, but I recognized that there was more than one teacher. That monk lit the path for me; suddenly Jesus made more sense, and Eastern modality made more sense. It all started with those daily talks about just trying to be a little more conscious in my life and how I was creating my own misery.”
So — hopefully he will learn to focus on the times when he creates misery for others, and thus move more towards enlightenment.
Peace
GwynnKatie, you’re very kind.
I think most of us spend our time not even able to clear out or leave behind our own baggage, let alone being of any authentic, empathetic use to anyone else.
Apathy and complacency kill. I try to ward off those, minimally. It’s not easy given the amount of it and how it spreads so easily.
“..open up your years and clean out your eyes.
If you learn to Love you’re in for a surprise.
It can be nice to be Alive.” (Beasties)
Christine said — “I think most of us spend our time not even able to clear out or leave behind our own baggage, let alone being of any authentic, empathetic use to anyone else.”
Yes, I believe you are right.
And yes — it can be nice to be Alive…
Peace
Nice and calm everyone. Breathe in threw ya nose then out ya mouth it helps increase the oxygen.
Jesus has always made sense to me. Smart bloke who knew a few magic tricks, was far enough ahead of his time to realise how gullible people are, decided to use his skills to make the world a nicer place, with varying results.
What more is there to understand?
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