IRON MAN and the Buddha

Today is the premiere of IRON MAN (the movie). I’m uber excited about seeing this flick on the big screen tonight! Does anyone want to go with me? A showing starts nearly every 30 minutes in Portsmouth. I’m a fan of non-buttered popcorn for any takers.

I grew up with comic books. IRON MAN was one of my favorites. Being a super hero wasn’t easy for Tony Stark. He had demons. It made him a “human” super hero. Maybe that’s why I liked him. Oh yeah, there’s also the kick ass red and yellow metal suit that gave him wicked cool abilities and strength.

I always identified with the biggest and strongest super heros - Superman, Iron Man, Hulk, Colossus of the X-Men, Thing of Fantastic Four, etc. I like the others, but I always pictured myself as one of the big guys. Coincidence? I think not.

Growing up, I was always one of the biggest kids in my class. In fact, I was not allowed to play football in grade school because I weighed too much (more than 140 pounds). Damn Catholic Youth Organization rules. Apparently, God didn’t want big kids crushing little kids

This was hard for me as I wanted to play football. I chose soccer in the Fall and basketball during the Winter in the grade school years. In high school, I joined the football team. There, I rode the bench when I realized I’m an average-sized, slow fellow. However, I shined in the weight room and found out I’m a strong bloke.

(*Blog author realizes he just took the post down grade school and high school memory lane*) How did I get down this path?? Crikey! Any-old-who, I like me some IRON MAN because he’s a smart and strong SOB. I’m going to see the movie tonight. It’s getting some rave reviews.

Oh yeah, one more thing. At first, I didn’t like Robert Downey, Jr. cast as Tony Stark. However, after seeing the first preview I was sold. From what I can see, RDJ rocks the role in a BIG way. I’m done with the movie hype for now.

Next week, there are two things happening around my Buddhist inclinations.

First, Kensur Rinpoche Jampa Tegchok, one of the preeminent Buddhist scholars living in the 21st century, is speaking about loving-kindness and compassion in Newburyport, MA on Tuesday night. If you’re interested in this event, please send me an email or post a comment. I’ll get you the information.

Second, Aryaloka Buddhist Center is sponsoring a preview screening of Dalai Lama Renaissance at the Ioka Theater in Exeter, NH on Wednesday. This is a fund raiser for Aryaloka and we’re looking to pack the Ioka Theater. Again, let me know if you’re interested. I’ll get you the details.

POST EPILOGUE: I thought about my blog this morning and wondered, “What do I want to post about today?” Instantly, the title “IRON MAN and the Buddha” came into my head. I don’t know why, but it did. I honored the thought and here is the post.

Now that it is written, I find it interesting. I’m talking about a superhero who is covered with armor, very strong externally and internally flawed. (Aren’t we all.) On the other hand, I’m talking about the Buddhist practice which helps to build internal strength and stamina.

In some ways, I still want to see myself as the invincible super hero, donning a suit of armor and impervious to outside perils. However, I’ve always had sensibilities around peaceful means and ideas like loving-kindness and compassion. Obviously, I’m not cut out for the super hero gig.

Though I am not a giant, I’ve been called “a gentle giant” and things of that nature. I’ve always been a big kid with a big heart. That persists to this day. Thanks for allowing me to show you what’s in my heart…today and always.

With metta,
Gregory