Ezra understands Aminata’s concerns but contends that globalization also produces many benefits including an increase in cross-cultural understanding, the transference of concerns for human rights and democracy, and the possibility for economic development. In fact, benefiting from one of these cross-cultural exchanges himself, Ezra quotes his American Zen teacher who often shares the famous koan: What do you call the world?
Ezra explains that while there is much suffering in the world, and we certainly should seize the opportunity for discussions and finding solutions, this koan is meant to get our minds to ask the important questions before reacting. What is the true nature of suffering? What is the real cause here? Can I effectively help a world that I see as separate from myself? Might it be more beneficial for me to deeply understand how the world is not something outside of myself that needs saving? Could daily mindfulness in my own small actions make more of an impact? (Kuruvilla, 2015).
This activity aligns with module outcomes 2 and 3.
Discussion Question
Prepare for your discussion by completing your readings and viewings. Then respond to the following:
