'Buddha phone' launches, plays Nirvana

(Credit: Yamane Yasuhiro/CNET Japan)

MP3 playback? Check. Two cameras? Check. Built-in mobile Buddhist altar? Che... Wait, WTF?!

You read correctly. The Odin 99 has landed on the streets of China, and a single tap of the phone's dedicated lotus-leaf button will load a private, customizable, animated altar.

The idea is to allow Buddhists to perform their dedications and rituals conveniently when away from home. You can simulate incense burning and purification rites and play music to help you meditate wherever you happen to be.

The Odin 99 comes bundled with a charm.

(Credit: Yamane Yasuhiro/CNET Japan)

As far as our knowledge goes of inventions that seamlessly converge religion with phone calls, this takes the gold medal. Gold paint has been taken to the phone too, encrusting the otherwise conventional-looking device. Also interesting is that it comes with a metal Buddhist charm to be carried by the user, and two batteries--the extra one considered "a gift."

At first we were amused. But then came objective inquisitiveness: Would a Buddhist actually find this useful? CNET UK lacks a Buddhist writer to ask, and crowd-sourcing opinions on Twitter came up with nothing.

Before now, we've seen iPhone apps like digitalBlend's Buddha Box (iTunes link)--created by a Buddhist to aid on-the-go meditation--and its reviews are favorable. But no U.K. networks carry a phone with such religious undertones, and we don't believe it's a hotly requested feature.

Or is it? If you're Buddhist and would find a device like this useful, please let us know in the comments below. We're very eager to hear your opinions, as other readers will be too, no doubt.

(Source: Crave UK)

[Scott Gardener]

Since I'm not a Buddhist and not familiar with specific prayer or ritual requirements, I don't know. But, as a Wiccan, I can imagine finding a virtual ritual or spellcraft app a useful iPod Touch accessory, at least as a shortcut for basic setup, calling the quarters, and so forth. It couldn't replace certain aspects. I would venture to guess that it would be the same with Buddhists. I understand that Zen philosophy is quite happy to work with whatever circumstances happens to dispense.

[giga90]

I'm a 'buddhist' and even I think that this is too whacked out... This is a joke man... An alter in a phone... HAHAHAHAHA!!!

[GoodBud]

Hmm... I am a Buddhist !
Its innovative ! Altar on a phone - Cool !
But if its an Iphone, I will put my dollar to it !
The design from Odin 99 can be alittle improve, abit more serene ... and Gold color is out !
Yes I know Chinese loves Gold ... but lets have a change, shall we ?:-)

[donespo]

I hope this is a trend that catches on as I would love to have a Marinara-colored phone with Noodly Appendages.

[themorn2112]

As a Buddhist myself, I would relish having this phone as a means to carry some form of symbolism and/or tool for meditation and contemplation. At the very least it would make a nice novelty item.

[PhoenixFiresky]

I'm Buddhist and I find it potentially useful.

[lauralsweet]

To learn more about this Buddha phone as well as all the others on the market (including actual Buddhist blessed mobile phones), go here:

http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2009/07/its-karma-calling-budda-inspired-actual.html

[boinkage]

Well, first you have to understand that Buddhism can be a religion or a philosophy. Most Chinese practice Buddhism as a religion, and therefore they aren't going to be using these altars to meditate with but rather to pray to. There is a incredibly large panthenon of various Buddhas who represent different things--fertility, good fortune, etc. So it could be very useful to have that specific Buddha at the press of a button.

[boinkage]

Well, first you have to understand that Buddhism can be a religion or a philosophy. Most Chinese practice Buddhism as a religion, and therefore they aren't going to be using these altars to meditate with but rather to pray to. There is a incredibly large panthenon of various Buddhas who represent different things--fertility, good fortune, etc. So it could be very useful to have that specific Buddha at the press of a button.