If you’re looking for vegetarian condiments that are free of onions, garlic, and eggs—whether for dietary restrictions, allergies, religious or personal preference — there are still many delicious options to explore. Here are some common condiments that typically don’t contain onions, garlic, or eggs, and…
In the Japanese Zen tradition, cleaning is called “Osoji” and appreciated as a path to cultivate one’s mind. In fact, for a Zen Monk, Soji is a core practice in and of itself. Monks put as much time into practicing osoji as they do into…
For those with dietary restrictions or allergies, finding condiments that meet specific needs can be a daunting task. Whether you’re avoiding onions and garlic due to a low-FODMAP diet, personal preference, or religious reasons—or steering clear of eggs because of allergies or veganism—the search for…
Growing up I always hated cleaning my room. As a child, I don’t think it was laziness exactly, but there was freedom I experienced having my toys strewn about and leaving a trail of winter clothes on the path toward my bedroom. At first, my…
Ketchup is a globally popular condiment with a rich history that spans centuries. Originally derived from a fermented fish sauce called “kê-tsiap” from Southeast Asia, ketchup evolved as it traveled through Europe, where it was made using ingredients like mushrooms and walnuts. In the early…
As a professional culinary instructor, I can tell you that approximately 40 percent of the time dishes prepared from written recipes go wrong because my students did not actually read the recipe. Sure, I know they think they did, and they will tell me that…
In today’s world, we face a significant reality: the weight of human-made mass has now overtaken the total biomass of all living beings on Earth. This moment urges us to reflect on this truth, resonating with Zen Buddhism and prompting us to reconsider our role…
Zen is a versatile spiritual practice with various forms, each offering unique approaches to practice. There are five distinct kinds of Zen — Bompū Zen, Gedō Zen, Shōjō Zen, Daijō Zen, and Saijōjō Zen — highlighting a range of motivations and goals for practitioners, from…
Onions and garlic are staples in many kitchens around the world, known for their ability to add depth and flavor to countless dishes. However, there are several reasons why people might choose to cook without these pungent ingredients. Whether for health, dietary restrictions, cultural or…
In today’s world, we face a significant reality: the weight of human-made mass has now overtaken the total biomass of all living beings on Earth. This moment urges us to reflect on this truth, resonating with Zen Buddhism and prompting us to reconsider our role within the vast web of existence. The weight of human-made mass is a sign of imbalance.
Studies show that the weight of human-made materials—like buildings, roads, plastics, and technology—now exceeds that of all living organisms. This imbalance highlights our significant impact on the planet. While Buddhism teaches us about the interconnectedness of all things, our actions have created a divide between human progress and ecological harmony.
In pursuing progress, we’ve accumulated vast amounts of materials, equating this with advancement. Yet, Zen philosophy suggests that true progress comes from achieving spiritual and ecological balance. The weight of human-made mass is sometimes mistaken for genuine progress. Our heavy constructions overshadow the lightness of being that Shojin promotes, where simplicity and mindfulness take precedence.
The massive amount of human-made objects not only represents accumulation but also our growing disconnection from nature. Zen encourages us to live in harmony with our surroundings and remain tuned to the natural world. However, as we build more with concrete and steel, we sever our vital connections to the Earth. This disconnection leads to biodiversity loss, climate change, and ecosystem degradation. Shojin teaches us that the planet’s health is intrinsically linked to our well-being.
Zen Buddhism emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in all aspects, including how we consume. Our choices and waste have lasting consequences. By adopting mindful consumption practices, we can reduce our ecological footprint and foster sustainability. Mindfulness encourages reflection on our true needs versus wants, seeking contentment in simplicity, and appreciating nature without excess. This aligns with the Shojin principle of living harmoniously with nature, alleviating the burden of human-made mass on the planet.
To rectify the imbalance between human-made mass and living biomass, we must reimagine our existence. This means adopting sustainable practices, supporting environmentally friendly innovations, and prioritizing the planet’s health over material gain. Zen guides us towards awareness and compassion, urging us to care for the Earth as part of ourselves. By embracing eco-conscious designs and renewable resources, we can envision a future where human structures harmonize with the environment. This aligns with the Zen goal of achieving peace and balance in our relationships with both ourselves and the world around us.
In Buddhism, metta, or loving-kindness, extends to all living beings and the Earth. Compassionate action means making choices that support the planet’s health, recognizing our interconnectedness with it. We can embody compassionate action by supporting sustainable businesses, advocating for environmental policies, and engaging in community efforts for restoration. Each step toward sustainability helps restore balance and nurture the interconnected web of life.
The reality that human-made mass exceeds living biomass serves as a crucial prompt for mindful reflection. Zen Buddhism encourages us to pause and understand the deeper meaning behind our actions. This moment calls for collective awakening and a shift in consciousness that values ecological harmony and life reverence. Reflecting on the weight of human-made mass can inspire this essential change.
Let us embrace Zen teachings, adopting simplicity, mindfulness, and compassion as our guiding principles. This journey can help us lighten our existence’s weight, restoring balance and harmony to our shared home.
The challenges created by the overwhelming mass of human-made objects invite us to deeply examine our values and our connection to nature. Through Zen’s lens, we can adopt a mindful and compassionate way of living, respecting life’s balance and the interdependence of all beings.
Together, let us strive to embody the lightness of being, creating a world where human innovations support rather than undermine the Earth’s vitality. By acknowledging our interconnectedness and committing to mindful stewardship, we can hope to restore balance.
For more insights, visit biocubes.net. This website illustrates the relative scales of organic life and human-made materials on Earth, highlighting how the weight of human creations now exceeds that of natural biomass, supported by some amazing visual infographics.
Elhacham, E., Ben-Uri, L., Grozovski, J. et al. Global human-made mass exceeds all living biomass. Nature 588, 442–444 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-3010-5
If you’re looking for vegetarian condiments that are free of onions, garlic, and eggs—whether for dietary restrictions, allergies, religious or personal preference — there are still many delicious options to explore. Here are some common condiments that typically don’t contain onions, garlic, or eggs, and…
In the Japanese Zen tradition, cleaning is called “Osoji” and appreciated as a path to cultivate one’s mind. In fact, for a Zen Monk, Soji is a core practice in and of itself. Monks put as much time into practicing osoji as they do into…
For those with dietary restrictions or allergies, finding condiments that meet specific needs can be a daunting task. Whether you’re avoiding onions and garlic due to a low-FODMAP diet, personal preference, or religious reasons—or steering clear of eggs because of allergies or veganism—the search for…
Growing up I always hated cleaning my room. As a child, I don’t think it was laziness exactly, but there was freedom I experienced having my toys strewn about and leaving a trail of winter clothes on the path toward my bedroom. At first, my…
Ketchup is a globally popular condiment with a rich history that spans centuries. Originally derived from a fermented fish sauce called “kê-tsiap” from Southeast Asia, ketchup evolved as it traveled through Europe, where it was made using ingredients like mushrooms and walnuts. In the early…