The Blonde Dalai Lama.

Like all Progressives, American Buddhists have no sense of humor.

I classify American Buddhists with Progressives, because for the most part they are political Progressives who were looking for some religious meaning in this world and have latched on to an Americanized version of Buddhism because, simply put, it isn't.....well, Christianity.

For the Progressive, Christianity just isn't hip enough; Christianity isn't for those special folks - the elite, the Brights. But, you can call yourself a Buddhist and go on believing whatever un-Buddhist depravity you want to believe and no one is going to know the difference. No one is going to call you out on your American Buddhism but me, and who am I?

To show just how little sense of  humor the America Buddhists have, we need look no further than their reaction to the latest story concerning the Dalai Lama.

For years, the Chinese government has been attempting to co-op the Dalai Lama's next reincarnation so as to exercise more control over the people of Tibet. In what can probably be called a bit of tongue in cheek poking at the Chinese government, the Dalai Lama recently said in an interview, that after he has finally shed this mortal coil, he will most likely reincarnate as a mischievous, blond female. He added that she will have an attractive face because no one will pay attention to her otherwise.

Over at the Buddhist channel at Patheos.com, not a few irate American Buddhists have their knickers in a twist over his comments.

One such Buddhist wrote:

"The Dalai Lama is a fraud. And this comment reflects his true nature.He talks of peace and tolerance abroad and destroys it in the Tibetan exile community. He talks of harmony and has caused division amongst Buddhists. He talks of kindness and eats veal. He is the worst example of a Buddhist, let alone a monk or a human being."

Another writes:

"Wow can it get any worse. The world's most famous "Buddhist" talks about reincarnation in this way? I'm so grateful this politician is not my teacher. And to say a woman will only receive attention if her face is attractive...what a creep. Forget all that stuff Buddha taught about cultivating a good heart hey! AND what's with the mischievous bit your "holiness"?"

In Asia, however, comic artists in Taiwan and Hong Kong have been inspired by the Dalai Lama's comments to draw images and to write stories of the future 15th Dalai Lama as a blonde woman. They've even gone so far as to create their own Facebook page (what else?) The Blonde Dalai Lama .

The page is in Chinese, but there are lots of drawings, and we all know the relationship between words and pictures.