Avainsana: Social Justice

  • Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction — Part 45

    Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction — Part 45

    This post was written by

    Sensei Mikko

    What leads an ordinary person towards violence, and what allows them to recognise the consequences of their actions? This essay explores these questions through the lens of Zen practice, meditation, social engagement, and the story of Bosnian war criminal Esad Landzo. Drawing on more than a decade of meditation practice within the Soto Zen tradition,…

  • Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 37

    Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 37

    This post was written by

    Sensei Mikko

    Bernie Glassman (1939–2018) was an American engineer, Zen teacher and social entrepreneur. His work—such as the Greyston Bakery—combined personal insight with societal transformation. Glassman stressed the realisation of the bodhisattva ideal, offering assistance with social challenges such as poverty and substance abuse.

  • Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 34

    Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 34

    This post was written by

    Sensei Mikko

    In the face of climate change, technological advancements, and social inequities, simple spiritual practices offer guidance. Eastern philosophies highlight interconnectedness, encouraging peace within and without. Embracing sorrow leads to meaningful action, fostering awareness and compassion. A peacemaker listens, acts responsibly, and strives for justice, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious future.

  • Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 33

    Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 33

    This post was written by

    Sensei Mikko

    The Eastern Band of Cherokee experienced remarkable transformations after opening a profitable casino, providing community members with a form of unconditional basic income. This financial security led to significant improvements in children’s mental health, behavior, and school performance, reinforcing the idea that poverty stems from lack of resources, not personal failings.

  • Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 20

    Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 20

    This post was written by

    Sensei Mikko

    This blog post discusses the interconnected crises of modern civilization—ecological, technological, and political—highlighting themes of data manipulation and surveillance. It examines how personal data has become a powerful tool for influence, emphasizing the urgent need to understand its role within contemporary challenges and the implications for individual privacy and autonomy.

  • Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 13

    Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 13

    This post was written by

    Sensei Mikko

    This post examines the intricate history of financial systems, revealing the cyclical nature of debt and its role in social inequality. From medieval state borrowing to modern economic practices, the evolution of money illustrates how our current financial landscape perpetuates obligation and dissatisfaction, raising moral questions about wealth distribution and societal well-being.

  • Zen and the Art of Dissatisfaction – Part 12

    This post was written by

    Sensei Mikko

    This post examines the violent origins of market capitalism, highlighting the human cost of colonial exploitation, particularly in the nutmeg trade. It critiques traditional economic narratives through historical examples, emphasizing the transition from honor-based economies to coercive debt systems, revealing foundational injustices in the evolution of modern economies.