Buddha as a content creator

Vastmind

It happened. TikTok went dark last night. While I personally won’t be going to another platform, I thought this article about the cross over cultural aspects and applying Buddhist principles was applicable during such a big new change.

“…..While no simple answer has emerged regarding the legal fate of TikTok or the long-term viability of Xiaohongshu for American users, this situation underscores Buddhism’s emphasis on non-attached awareness without judgment. Adapting to a new platform is not merely a question of computing and connectivity—it also involves respect for cross-cultural dialogue and adopting a skillful approach to any potential security or censorship issues.

An ancient Buddhist anecdote may help to illustrate some of these issues. Several centuries ago, a Japanese monk named Myoan Eisai (1141–1215) traveled to China during the Song dynasty, seeking deeper knowledge of Chan Buddhism. Navigating unfamiliar languages and local customs, Eisai discovered new scriptural interpretations, meditation methods, and monastic rules that he would later adapt to his home country. Yet upon returning, Eisai encountered suspicion from officials wary of foreign influences and concerned about potential “subversive” knowledge. Nonetheless, Eisai’s engagement with another culture was neither purely dangerous nor wholly utopian—it was a balanced encounter, enriched by care and respect for differences.

Community members, whether they are casual watchers or dedicated content creators, can incorporate Buddhist principles as they navigate these complex decisions—checking intentions, practicing ethical conduct, and recalling that technology is but a tool that can foster or fracture communities based on how we engage with it.

As the story of Eisai’s journey and the growth of cross-cultural Buddhism has shown, forging new paths can yield surprising benefits when approached with humility and open-heartedness. This digital pivot, while arising from political controversy, might ultimately broaden horizons and cultivate empathy across geographical lines—provided we all remain committed to mindful speech, mutual respect, and the spirit of compassionate exchange.”

Full article:

https://www.buddhistdoor.net/features/buddhistdoor-view-tiktok-shifting-platforms-and-global-community/

Edited to update: TT came back on this afternoon. Trump signed the 90 day extension.

Jeroen

I didn’t know you were a TikTok content creator @Vastmind? How amazing…

Vastmind

I really enjoy it. No money making, no brand deals, never went viral..stuff like that…just a small following. A way to share my Lego builds, dancing with friends, life hacks, things like that. It has kept me feeling youthful and able to relate to my young adult children and my nieces.

Jeroen

I’ve heard that Instagram have been expanding their Reels functionality hoping to fill the gap, and YouTube have been doing stuff with Shorts for a while.

Wait…

You do Lego builds, wow. The things we never knew about you. I used to have lots of Lego as a kid, until my dad and me emigrated to the US and we couldn’t take anything but one suitcase of essentials.

Vastmind

Yeah, I started Lego a couple years ago…now I’m kinda hooked. I started with the botanical sets..and now do the modular/city builds. I like the story telling of the city scenes. My largest so far is the Natural History Museum (4,000+ pieces). It’s the only one I keep up all year and change with the seasons. The rest I treat as mandala art and take down after a couple of months. It’s very meditative for me. I’ve done a couple good free builds too.

Jeroen

It seems TikTok may survive under the Trump regime.

Vastmind

Yeah, it was only down for about 12-15 hours, I edited the OP.

lobster

Trump signed the 90 day extension.

Is that some sort of hair extension?

Rather than being at the whim of corporations or petulant politicos
You can join peertube or pixelfed for videos and images...

It is different way to Be...
Oh look a tree has appeared. A new Buddha is born....

As some of you know I use Linux and Mastodon. Why? I value the geeks of Linux and the real diversity of Mastodon, Most social media is designed as click bait (so you keep scrolling in your preferred bubble of interest + promoted selling, misinformation, propaganda etc)

Just be aware, as the Buddhas advise...
https://defcon.social/@lobster/113871761284943814

Shoshin1

Trump signed the 90 day extension.

Is that some sort of hair extension?

Hahaha

Jeroen

Why couldn’t they make something both good, from a UI and useability standpoint, and decentralised? Compared to most Mac software the way you interact with eg Mastodon is awful.

Vastmind

@lobster …. I guess I just need to bite the bullet and do it…TBH…it’s just intimidating…I have very limited knowledge of software workings and I think anything other than what everyone uses… must be the dark web! Oh no, what have I done? Where am I at, haha.
My next day off of work, I’ll sit down and start exploring and give it a try. 👍

BTW..love the poem ❤️✌️🤘

lobster

BTW..love the poem

We are poems of our own choices.

Let me tell you of how I was protected by the kind people of the fediverse and protected from the trolls, trumps and bad influences.

1. I catch bullets in my teeth. A trick which has killed many conjurers. There are smart magicians on Mastodon who will make sure your gun's empty.
2. For example for the Mac and cheese crowd. Apple has its own presence and software promoting (guess what) Apple products and yes-gals.
3. Other dark influencers such as the POTUS Donald Duck has a Mastodon private server. Blocked. On the Server (instance) I choose. Never came across them. Never had to suffer the Nazi saluting Maga crowd or E-lonely Musk. Was not advertised junk products. Though craft people and small one person startups, painters, photographers, jewellery makers etc, I have followed.
4. I follow poets, Buddhists and the highest ideals I can. Some people just like to reinforce their gossiping. That is accommodated too.
5. People talk about their successes, their fears, their difficulties AND also just pictures, videos, support, knowledge, links. It is a place of welcome, protection and great diversity.
6. CU there sometime - oh and you can search and follow hashtags such as #gratitude #kindness #poems #threegoodthings.

Mastodon is not what you are force fed. It is what you make it. Good luck. Let me know what server you are on and I will follow you (which I can do from wherever I am)...

lobster

Incidentally... this is where I am at the moment (sometimes)
https://mastodonapp.uk/invite/6Y9n3o2e

I do not stay too long in one place. Otherwise I pick up followers. The strange thing on Mastodon is EVERYONE is an influence. As the name suggests this one is UK specific (supposedly). It is hosted by the founder of Mastodon (Ryan Wild) and he is American.

https://fediverse.info/explore/people

Let me know if you have difficulties (by private message here if you prefer)