"Buddh-ish" versus Buddhist
Why “Buddh-ish Investor” and not “Buddhist Investor”?
I've been asking myself this question since starting this Substack a few weeks ago. Strangely, the question didn't occur to me prior to the launch.
Part of the reason I am asking this question now (and not before) is that I'm trying to see this Substack through the eyes of you, the reader. This isn't with the intention of growing my subscriber list (though that would be nice), but with the goal of making this content as useful and relevant as possible. Usefulness is what I value most about the media that I consume--whether books, podcasts, blogs, dharma talks, YouTube videos, etc. Fortunately for this Substack, Buddhism is an inherently pragmatic religion/philosophy, so usefulness is already baked in.
The title "Buddh-i$h Investor" came to me naturally and still seems a good fit a few weeks in. Sure it's a little cheesy (especially with the $), but I do want to keep this Substack light-hearted.
So why "Buddh-ish" instead of "Buddhist"?
I have a few reasons:
- I am not a Buddhist: I don't consider myself a card-carrying Buddhist. I don't even know how one officially becomes a Buddhist. Is there a Buddhist equivalent to the Catholic baptism I underwent as an infant? I have no idea, but would love to learn more about this.
- I kind of don't want to be a "Buddhist": I'm not looking for another identity. I've got enough of those already (e.g., dad, brother, taxpayer, investor, etc.). We all do. Buddhism isn't another hat to wear, but a practical guide to living a better life. One of the ways that Buddhism helps a person do this is by calling into question all our adopted identities and the very nature of self as a fixed, permanent thing.
- Does "Buddhist" mean anything anyway?: Buddhism teaches us to question our conceptual understanding or framing of reality. The term "Buddhist" is a hamfisted human attempt at conceptualizing the experience of living a more awakened life by following the teachings of the Buddha. The word, a concept, can never do a an experience justice. So, yeah, Buddh-ish. [Yeah, I know, my head is hurting too. Let's move on...]
- I don't know much about Buddhism: The whole point of this Substack is document a journey of discovery in Buddhism (seen through the lens of investing). As I said previously, I am an absolute beginner in Buddhism. I have no formal training and claim no authority in discussing Buddhist topics. If I'm giving the impression that I'm an expert or if I'm butchering/bastardizing Buddhist ideas, please let me know.
- Buddh-ish is a hedge: I want this Substack to appeal as broadly as possible. The "-ish" suffix tones the religiosity, which may irk some people (including myself just a few years ago). It is not my intention to dilute or misappropriate Buddhist ideas or beliefs.
So "Buddh-ish" it is and will remain. I'm still on the fence about the dollar sign in "-i$h" though. Too crass? Might need to ditch it at some point. We'll see...
For now, this remains,
The Buddh-i$h Investor
More about Buddh-ish-ism:
Secular Buddhist teacher Noah Rasheta on casting off our masks of identity and “Becoming Nobody”
Bhuddish.com: a seemingly abandoned, cryptic website laying claim to the misspelt domain