The hip and cool take to Buddhism

BUDDHISM GOES POP: More and more young people are following various forms of Buddhism.

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New Delhi: The hip and uber cool are taking the path of Buddhism.

And it’s not just that, more and more young people are following various forms of Buddhism like Delhi University law student Anirudh Goswami who plays for a band to unwind and chants Buddhist hymns for solace.

Anirudh is like many 20 somethings who are turning to Buddhism. He was eight when he started practicing the Nichirin Daishin form of Buddhism and today it’s a way of being for him.

“I wanted to start a band and Buddhism gave me inner confidence,” says Anirudh.

This elite sangh that Anirudh is a part of meets once a week to chant, chat and chill. It's a bit like Woodstock, a pop trend that helps the young sort their minds out.

And if it’s not Nichirin Daishin then the rest turn to a more traditional mahayna that idolises the Buddha but either way neo-Buddhism is in.

“That’s because it’s backed by rationale. They try it if it suits them good otherwise they don’t take it,” Buddhism teacher, Shantum Seth explains.

And when they don't have time to practice they can always choose from a plethora of books on Buddhism that are available in stores mushrooming all over the city.

While bestsellers like the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari vanished off the shelves, books like the New Human Revolution by Dr Ikeda and Dalai Lama's teachings have found their takers.

“It’s only 15 per cent of the total market that, too, I think is overestimated,” Operations Head, Book Café, Pawan Bohra says.

Also, Hollywood actors Richard Gere and Goldie Hawn's high profile visits to the Dalai Lama helps keep the neo-Buddhist wave buoyant among the young hip Indian.