Q: What are your thoughts on the relation of pop psychology and Buddhism, and how the concept of karma is interpreted in popular culture, or how Buddhism is co-opted to support a materialistic philosophy for self-gratification?
A: Pop psychology and Buddhism are sometimes ‘married’ in shallow manners – becoming pop Buddhism! But there are books and other materials which bridge psychology with Buddhism properly too. Karma is often interpreted superficially and for material interests. Then again, karma does operate for worldly interests too. The problem is when the truth of karma is reduced for that end only, while it was taught by the Buddha ultimately for understanding how to utilise it to accumulate merits and work towards liberation with wisdom.
(Y) you go buddah and spiderman :spd: