Talk Stink

Waikiki’s wannabe-worldly Buddha Bar opened last Thursday night, perturbing local Buddhists.

Promoters of the said, “upscale lounge” meant no disrespect of the religion or jolly fat guys in general. They just wanted to ride a French brand name familiar to the jet set and faux euro-trash (read: private schoolers) on the islands.

Let’s hear what proprietor Les Hong, president of Hong’s Enterprises, has to say about the holy flap…

>It was not to desecrate the name of Buddha. Who in their right mind would want to do that?

What’s funny to us is that the basic tenants of Buddhism accurately describes those club kids who’ll reincarnate as lesser beings. Don’t believe us? Here’s a list of the five hindrances in the pursuit of enlightenment:

1. Sensuous lust (Yes.)
2. Aversion and ill will (Most definitely.)
3. Sloth and torpor (They’re down with it.)
4. Restlessness and worry (”Did he wear a condom last night?”)
5. Sceptical doubt (Oh my, yes.)

So the next time you step on a roach, think of the scenesters and all they’ve accomplished.

Buddha Web: [Essentials of Buddhism](http://www.buddhaweb.org/)
Star-Bulletin: [Name proves unlucky as Buddha Bar hits sign snag](http://starbulletin.com/2004/08/11/news/story4.html)