Hi everyone,
I just want to direct everyone to this interview of Ruin (below). Ruin was a Philadelphia hard core punk band in the late 80s. At the time all the members were practicing Nichiren Buddhism. The founder, Glenn Wallis, went on to become a teacher of Sanskrit and Indian religion and currently teaches at the University of Georgia and the Won Buddhist Institute in Philadelphia (another group I have connections with through my old friend and teacher Rev. Bokin Kim). Glenn is not just a professor however, he is a true practitioners, artist, thinker, etc... As are all the members of Ruin. These are truly some of the most extraordinary people I have met in my life. Glenn in fact was the one who convinced me to give Nichiren Buddhism a try. And their music and philosophy and sheer authenticity and intensity had a huge impact on me. In fact, I still listen to their music. This interview really brings out well what they were and still are all about. Long live RUIN! Here is the link to the interview:
Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn't also provide a link to Glenn's excellent translation and commentary on the Dhammapada:
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei
Ryuei:
Thank you for turning me on to Glenn while I was researching my last book. I didn't even know he had a band - I'll have to check this out and maybe give them some airtime on my radio show.
From an academic standpoint, Glenn knows his stuff. Glenn was extremely helpful in pointing me in the right direction on the possible relationship of the Nam/Aum - and he didn't even laugh at me for pondering this idea. For Glenn's selfless help, I gave him a shout out in the acknowledgement section. If I hadn't said it before, thanks for this referral, Ryuei, Glenn is a class act.
Charles
Posted by: Charles at November 18, 2006 05:43 AMHi, Michael - wow! Are you still in touch with these people? Best, Byrd in LA
Posted by: Byrd in LA at November 20, 2006 11:08 AMHi Byrd,
Well, I was really just a Ruin groupie back in the day. I didn't really hang out with them. Though two of them (Cordy and and Paul) were in my SGI group (han I think it was called). As I mentioned, Glenn was the one who actually convinced me to give Nichiren Buddhism a try, and he was the one who enshrined my first Omandala-Gohonzon. Glenn and I have actually kept in touch and talk on the phone every once in a while. As Charles mentioned, he was kind enough to help Charles out when I was unable to be of any help regarding Sanskrit (I really barely know how to pronounce Sanskrit Buddhist words correctly though I do recognize many terms on site). Anyway, as you can see from the interview those guys were and are pretty deep. I guess I should also mention that none of them have anything to do with SGI anymore, and in fact I understand that some of them are kind of embarassed about having been members - a childhood folly that is better left forgotten. I won't say more as each of them undoubtably have different feelings about it and I am in no position to speak for them. But probably they would want me to make it clear that they no longer have any connections with SGI.
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei