Shooter’s Interest In Buddhism Prompts Debate About Stereotype Of Peaceful Faith - The Washington Post

Navy Yard Shooter's Interest In Buddhism Raises Debate
WHITE SETTLEMENT, TX - SEPTEMBER 17: Kasem Pundisto, a Buddhist monk at the Wat Busayadhammavanaram Meditation Center of Fort Worth, where at one time alleged Naval Yard shooter Aaron Alexis practiced, poses September 17, 2013 in White Settlement, Texas. A defense contractor named Aaron Alexis allegedly killed at least 12 people yesterday during a shooting rampage at the Washington Navy Yard before being killed by police; his motive is still unclear. (Photo by Stewart F. House/Getty Images)
WHITE SETTLEMENT, TX - SEPTEMBER 17: Kasem Pundisto, a Buddhist monk at the Wat Busayadhammavanaram Meditation Center of Fort Worth, where at one time alleged Naval Yard shooter Aaron Alexis practiced, poses September 17, 2013 in White Settlement, Texas. A defense contractor named Aaron Alexis allegedly killed at least 12 people yesterday during a shooting rampage at the Washington Navy Yard before being killed by police; his motive is still unclear. (Photo by Stewart F. House/Getty Images)

In the aftermath of the Navy Yard shootings, gunman Aaron Alexis’s interest in Buddhism seemed at odds with conventional Western stereotypes of blissed-out meditators.

Buddhism scholars and bloggers were quick to note that Alexis’ spiritual profile didn’t fit with the image of someone unloading a gun and killing 12 innocents in a crowded military office building.

Yet some saw a chance to challenge the peaceful stereotype and unveil some topics Buddhists discuss amongst themselves. Is the peaceful Buddhist an illusion?

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