Rambo and the jade Laughing Buddha amulet.

It is often said that a poor craftsman often blames his tools. And yet in the event of owning good tools it is still not a slam dunk when it comes to acting in an appropriate and even handed manner. Movies however abandon reality and end up being a strange and surreal mix of circumstances, actions and scenes. I am not a fan of Rambo films. However, my intuition drew me to watch Rambo III for some inexplicable reason. Was it the fact that a 4k fully restored version was available to watch as part of a free 30 days trial of a channel on Amazon Prime Video or was it something else that beckoned my attention and intuition? For a very brief moment I found what had been calling me.

During the film John Rambo wears an amulet that is not given any close ups. This particular item was originally worn by the character Agent Co Phuong Bao in Rambo: First Blood Part II. Later on in the film Co is shot by Lieutenant Tay. Rambo promises a dying Co that he will remember her and buries her in the mud, famously cutting a red headband from her dress and donning her necklace the Laughing Buddha amulet. He wears it throughout the carnage and destruction of this intense and almost robotic death machine of a movie which was filmed at various locations. At one point a young boy shows an interest in his amulet and makes noises early on in his wishes of having it. John Rambo is resolute and denies his request. Later on the young boy Hamid is given the amulet willingly by Rambo and we finally get to see for a split second what it actually is. The jade Laughing Buddha amulet has a history which starts in China where many non-Buddhists wear them because they are viewed as having healing properties. The Laughing Buddha is also known as Budai, a nickname given to the Chinese monk who is often identified with and venerated as Maitreya Buddha in Chan Buddhism. With the spread of Chan Buddhism, he also came to be venerated in Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. He is said to have lived around the 10th century CE in the Wuyue kingdom. He is almost always shown smiling or laughing, hence his nickname in Chinese, the “Laughing Buddha”.

Budai is depicted as having a huge stomach (possibly a symbol of abundance or forgiveness) and many stories surrounding Budai involve his love of food and drink. Because of this, he is also referred to as the “Fat Buddha”, especially in the Western world. He is often mistaken to be the original Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. Jade amulets are seen to increase prosperity, good luck (which is useful when you drive your tank into a helicopter) and contentment. The character John Rambo wears The Laughing Buddha amulet (which has numerous hidden meanings) throughout the film until near the end, on the posters advertising the film and during his scenes at Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak Pha, Lamphun, Thailand which has 469 steps with accompanying Nagas. Were the film makers making a hidden commentary of Rambo being a possible Budai? The Budai were revered, strange, wandering vagabonds with occult powers and ‘mendicant priests’ who brought abundance, fortune, and joy to all they encountered with the help of their mystical “cloth sack” bags (which Rambo had on this particular occasion filled with timer devices and explosives). Buddhism’s five precepts firmly state the prohibition of killing, both humans and all animals. Rambo III has scenes of violence, torture, and killing which are completely incongruous to the spirit of the Buddhist precepts and the Laughing Buddha amulet that he wore throughout the film, irrespective of the heartfelt meaningfulness of the storytelling that created the scenario of Rambo donning the amulet. The film Rambo III was cut and censored not for its overall violence but for “one cut required to sight of illegal horsefall in accordance with Cinematograph (Animals) Act 1937.“

Wearing amulets are meant to strengthen and represent particular qualities and offer magick and healing for the bearer. These attributes can only be given if the wearer has fulfilled and undertaken to uphold the necessary qualities that the amulet requires in order for it to be functional, active and reliable. It is often said that a poor craftsman often blames his tools. To which I would like to add that the tools are not the answer in assisting a craftsman’s underlying disposition and character, for it is holding and maintaining the qualities of Buddhism’s five precepts alone that empower and strengthen the true magickal centre of awakening and enlightenment. To wear Buddhist amulets, it is important to have respect for the amulet and its spiritual significance, as well as a sincere intention to cultivate positive qualities such as compassion and loving-kindness. Additionally, it is recommended to pray before and after wearing the amulet to enhance its spiritual connection. Amulets are considered sacred objects and wearers should treat them with respect, acknowledging their spiritual significance. Engaging in unethical behavior while wearing an amulet can create negative karma. Wearers of Buddhist amulets should strive to live in accordance with Buddhist principles. Be mindful of how the amulet is treated during daily activities, ensuring it is not disrespected or forgotten. Embracing the teachings associated with any Buddhist amulet, being open to personal growth and transformation, renouncing all forms of unwholesome behaviour, are important to remember. Films are influential and can make missteps in their narratives for the sake of convenience. Let us not forget, Buddhist amulets are representations of Buddha. Follow the the spiritual guidelines and benefit from the magick they represent. My book Thai Tattoo Magick is available worldwide.