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  • Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 3.

    Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 3.

    The post explores human dissatisfaction’s origins, linking it to cultural evolution during the Upper Palaeolithic era, around 70,000 years ago. While past communities showed contentment, modern humans exhibit dissatisfaction, driving innovation and exploration. This shift may signify the rise of Homo Non Satiatæ, a species perpetually seeking more. Read more

  • Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 2.

    Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 2.

    The Second Crisis highlights the urgent challenges posed by artificial intelligence, particularly its potential to amplify economic inequality and threaten democracy. As humanity navigates environmental crises, there’s a pressing need to reconsider work and wealth distribution, guided by ethical principles. The series intertwines ecological and spiritual reflections, aiming to address deep-rooted dissatisfaction in society. Read more

  • Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – introduction and Part 1.

    Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – introduction and Part 1.

    Mikko Rakushin Kendō Ijäs explores the complexities of human existence, emphasizing the paradoxes of innovation, dissatisfaction, inequality, and environmental crises. His writings, informed by diverse experiences from academia to Zen practice, argue against reliance on outdated economic measures. By embracing Not-Knowing, he encourages readers to understand the interconnectedness of societal issues and act with compassion… Read more

  • Helsinki Street Retreat, 7–10 September 2022

    Helsinki Street Retreat, 7–10 September 2022

    By Johan van Mol A few weeks ago, I lived on the streets for a couple of days with an inter-faith group of Peacemakers in Helsinki. We did this without money, without phones, begging for food, and sleeping on cardboard in parks and abandoned lots. We also visited homeless shelters to bear witness to poverty Read more

  • Relive and Experience: Bearing Witness in Finland

    Relive and Experience: Bearing Witness in Finland

    Text by Kees HagenaarTranslated from Dutch by Mikko IjäsPictures by Stan Weyns I knew nothing about the Finnish civil war, which lasted from 27 January to 15 May in 1918. I only heard about it when I took part in the street retreat in Helsinki, Finland in September 2017. We also visited monuments that commemorate Read more

  • Taking action on Ecological Crisis

    Taking action on Ecological Crisis

    I met Maija Kaunismaa at the Zen Center of Los Angeles in 2018 when I was a Resident student and she was working as Artist-In-Residence. Maija wrote much of her latest album, The Pine House Songs, at the Center and over that month, as we became friends and explained the landscape of Los Angeles, I… Read more