Gangster Zen and a Buddhist Bartender

I came across this recently—a Buddhist monk who raps about the sutras, and a place called “The Monk Bar” where people get their cocktails with a sidecar of dharma. I have to admit, “Mr. Happiness” has a certain nondual cool about him:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8L-oRCBgV0

Zen has been incredibly transformative in my life, so I’m keen on sharing it in approachable, effective ways. But I have to wonder if some of the content of such a message gets lost in overly “pop” or “lite” versions. The same question is often raised (on this site and elsewhere) about yoga and other contemplative forms.

What do you think? How important is the congruence of the form of a message with its content? Is there something about a garish or “hip” delivery that’s contrary to mindfulness? And what about booze? Is there something off about cultivating an association between the “awakened” mind and the intoxicated state?

Post your thoughts below!