Hindu and Buddhist leaders need a Recent York brewery to alter the name of its Nirvana IPA, complaining that the moniker is disrespectful to their beliefs.
“Upset Hindus and Buddhists are urging Cooperstown, NY based Ommegang to apologize and withdraw its ‘Nirvana’ beer,” in accordance with a press release issued by Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism and Buddhist minister, Matthew Fisher.
Ommegang brewery in Cooperstown, NY was asked to “withdraw” its Nirvana beer.Ommegang Brewery
The lads of material said slapping the word ‘Nirvana’ on a beer is “deeply trivializing” of the sacred term and “equating it with alcohol was very painful to the devotees.”
Owned by Duvel Moortgat of Belgium, Ommegang said in a press release, “The name “Nirvana IPA” is meant to rejoice the atmosphere through which we hope beer lovers will benefit from the beer, which is that of tranquility when the noise and cares of the world fall away.
“Brewery Ommegang began distribution of Nirvana IPA in 2015; nevertheless, until today, we were unaware of the apparent concern with the name throughout the Hindu & Buddhist communities. We never intended to disrespect any community or religious beliefs by including ‘Nirvana’ in naming the IPA. We welcome the chance to teach ourselves and determine what potential changes we could consider for this beer.”
Fisher told The Post that he hopes “all of the nail salons that use the words “Zen and Nirvana” also get the message.
“It cheapens the word and is unkind,” he told The Post. Fisher and Zed said alcohol, which shouldn’t be condoned by the religions is a “pathway to delusion and degradation.” Buddhist monks are known for his or her modest lifestyles, that eschew alcohol and luxuries.
It’s not the primary time the pair have spoken out about businesses coopting religious symbols.
In 2020, Zed and Fisher together with other religious leaders took on Live Nation Entertainment for installing statues of Buddha, Lord Mahavira and Lord Parshvanatha in its nightclubs, including House of Blues, across the country.
On the time, the House of Blues said in a press release to the Associated Press, “We deeply apologize and immediately removed the statue Mahavira from all of our venues,” adding, “We’re reassessing the presence of all deities in our venues and fascinating with the coalition and other religious experts to advise on next steps, including removal, relocation or other appropriate actions.”