HIGH-TECH ZEN: CONJURING CONTRADICTION IN NEPAL
Is AI the new Buddha? The inherent tension between ancient cultures and modern technologies
raises critical questions about spiritual practices in the digital age. A new paradigm has emerged
—one that emphasises coexistence rather than exploitation, recognising the value of nature while
embracing the potential of technology. While spirituality often emphasises timeless truths,
technology suggests that all phenomena are transient and subject to change. In the context of
Buddhist practice, the recognition of impermanence is crucial for achieving liberation (nirvana).
This acceptance fosters adaptability, allowing practitioners to respond to life’s challenges with
equanimity.
The reliance on technology reveals a paradox: while technology promises efficiency a
innovation, it often exacerbates the very issues that contribute to modern suffering—distraction
craving, and detachment from the present moment. The contrast between AI and Buddha lies in
their approaches to enlightenment. Buddha advocated for a journey of self-discovery, inner
reflection, and mindfulness. AI, by contrast, offers an externalised path where knowledge
outsourced and readily accessible.
The Shey Festival, a rare cultural phenomenon, takes place every 12 years during the Year of the
Dragon according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. Set in Shey Gompa, Upper Dolpo, Nepal, at an
elevation of 4,160 meters, this event gathers Himalayan Buddhists from across the region. It
symbolises the enduring tension and harmony between the ancient traditions associated with
Crystal Mountain and the encroaching influence of modernity. Ultimately, the ongoing dialogu
between Buddhism and technology reflects a broader conversation about how ancient wisdo
can inform and shape the future of human society in an increasingly digital world.
Written by ChatGPT
Curated by ILL-STUDIO
Seamlessly embodying Gucci’s strong relationship with tennis that first began in the 1970s, Global Brand Ambassador Jannik Sinner stars in a new reportage- style campaign shot by Riccardo Raspa, who followed the championed tennis player during practice and tournaments around the world.
In 2020, a year of unprecedented upheaval, the global pandemic exposed the fragility of our lives and societal structures. We confronted existential questions and deep mistrust, realising the madness of our previous social paradigms. Disengaging from the relentless march of time, we sought sanctuary in places like the hills of Monferrato. Embracing nature’s healing powers, we found solace in its beauty and each other’s company. Through rituals and reconnecting with the earth, we reclaimed our dignity and rejected the hollow pursuits of materialism. At Tenuta Tenaglia, we embraced our passions and embarked on a journey of self-discovery, heralding a new era of authenticity and determination.
In the heart of London, the pulse of punk 4 beats strong, echoing the rebel- lious spirit
of the past while embracing a modern twist.
The city’s standing punk scene is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, where DIY ethos collides with contemporary sounds. Uniting diverse subcultures, this movement thrives on individuality and raw energy. Venues like The 100 Club and The Underworld host electrifying gigs, showcasing emerging bands and punk veterans alike. With their distinctive fashion, bold attitudes, and socially conscious lyrics, these modern punks challenge norms and rede- fine rebellion. London’s standing punk scene isn’t just a nod to its iconic past; it’s a living, breathing testament to the en- during power of punk in the 21st century.
The journey begins in war-ravaged countries like Eritrea and Sudan, where black Africans face discrimination. Fleeing genocide, they pay Bedouin tribes for safe passage through the Sinai desert, enduring brutality en route. In Israel, they’re detained in Saharonim prison, released with minimal aid. Sudanese refugees receive temporary visas but are denied rights, labeled ‘infiltrators’ by the government. They’re marginalised, left to survive in South Tel Aviv’s Levinsky Park, often exploited for menial labor. This newspaper seeks to shed light on their struggle, neglected by Israeli society and the world, highlighting their resilience and the oppressive refugee policies they face.
ATARASIA
/ateraksia/
Ataraxia (atapadia, literally, “unperturbedness”, generally translated as “imperturbability”, “equanimity”, or “tranquillity”).
Often English ataraxy, this Greek philosophical term was a key component of the Epicurean conception of the highest good – a lucid state of robust equanimity that was characterised by ongoing freedom from distress and worry.
A state of mental tranquility; Freedom from mental discomfort,
No. 01
Island of Sifnos, GREECE
