A visitor looks at a third-century stupa drum slab honoring the Buddha as a flaming pillar, found in Andhra Pradesh, southern India, at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. The musuem is presenting, Tree and Serpent: Early Buddhist Art in India, a monumental exhibition co-organized with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Yonhap

NMK's 'Tree and Serpent' features dozens of artifacts that previously never left India

By Park Han-sol

Buddhism has come a long way since the prince-turned-ascetic Siddhartha Gautama first attained enlightenment under a bodhi tree more than 2,500 years ago.

The religion, which reached its zenith of influence in India in the following centuries, eventually spread to Southeast Asia and China, before making its way to Korea and Japan.

In Korea, temples and relics enshrined within became the cultural bedrock on which Zen Buddhism bloomed since its arrival in the fourth century.

But how well do we know the religion, which has long seeped into our daily lives and vernaculars, during its formative years in India?

This is where the National Museum of Korea (NMK)s Tree and Serpent: Early Buddhist Art in India, co-organized with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, comes in.

Its a truly monumental exhibition, featuring nearly 100 ancient stone panels and sculptures from southern India dating from 200 BCE to 400 CE, and a rare one at that.

In fact, almost half of the artifacts on display had never left their home since their excavation until they were exhibited at the Met earlier this year.

A second-century sandstone sculpture of the goddess of abundance, Sri Lakshmi, is on display. She is depicted as a jewelry-laden woman surrounded by blooming lotuses and a pair of peacocks announcing the arrival of the monsoon. Korea Times photo by Park Han-sol

Carved fragments of lotus vines and nature spirits of southern India from the late second century BCE / Korea Times photo by Park Han-sol

The NMKs presentation, a tweaked and reimagined version of the U.S. show with several immersive digital displays at hand, begins by dropping visitors in the heart of a vibrantly pulsating forest of southern India. It was the forest populated by indigenous nature spirits and deities that Buddhism, originating from the Ganges Basin in northern India, encountered upon reaching the south.

The local spirits yakshas for males and yakshis for females inhabiting the trees and the earth, as well as mythical creatures like makara part crocodile, part elephant, part fish and the naga serpent, gradually underwent transformation under the newly introduced Buddhist view of nature, eventually assuming new roles as bodhisattvas and guardian deities in its art.

The ancient "sarira," comprising jasmine buds, washed pearls and particles of gold flowers that were preserved as the relics of the Buddha, is laid out in a circular design. Yonhap

One prevailing theme throughout the second part of the show is the stupa, a domed monument that housed the relics of the Buddha, including cremated ashes, pearls and other precious gemstones known as sarira.

It was through sarira that the religion was introduced to southern India in the mid-third century BCE, when King Asoka of the first pan-Indian Mauryan Empire ordered the construction of at least 84,000 stupas derived from the original eight across the nation and redistributed the Buddhas ashes and gemstones among them all.

On view at the museum are 2,200-year-old jasmine buds, washed pearls and particles of gold flowers laid out in a stunning mandala design, as well as the fragments of stone panels and pillars that once adorned the many stupas. (Most of these colossal monuments in the country have crumbled with the passage of time.)

Interestingly, throughout the early centuries of Buddhism, the Buddha himself rarely appeared in sculptural reliefs and other art forms at stupas.

In many of the early Buddhist art and reliefs, the Buddha only existed in the form of symbols a pair of footprints, the wheel of Dharma, an empty throne under a Bodhi tree, or a flaming pillar. Korea Times photo by Park Han-sol

In fact, during this period, typically referred to as the aniconic phase, he existed only in the form of sacred symbols a pair of footprints; a riderless horse; the wheel of Dharma; an empty throne under a Bodhi tree; or a flaming pillar, which was a unique symbol found in southern India.

The reluctance to represent the Buddha in human likeness in those early days may have stemmed from the belief that he, having achieved nirvana, transcended the corporeal form.

Although it remains a topic of debate, human representations of the Buddha began to appear around the first century, following increased sea trade between Rome and the subcontinent, particularly in the northwestern region of Gandhara. The existence of this trade is evidenced by the exhibits inclusion of a bronze Greek figurine of the sea god Poseidon and a jug handle adorned with patterns of Cupid, both of which were discovered in Western India during a 1940s excavation.

Anthropomorphic visual elements from the Hellenistic world became combined with symbols of Indian Buddhism to birth the image we know well today a figure with a wisp of hair on his forehead (urna), tight ringlet curls, a cranial bump (ushnisha), distended earlobes and a draped robe reminiscent of a Roman toga.

A third-century Ayaka cornice with four narrative roundels found in Andhra Pradesh, southern India, is shown with an immersive digital display at the National Museum of Korea. Korea Times photo by Park Han-sol

Such a tendency to depict the Buddha in bodily form eventually traveled to southern India as well.

The last section of the show is filled with the Buddhas dynamic life stories including his myriad past lives led before his princely incarnation as Siddhartha featuring his human form, told in a theater-like stage.

As you traverse the colossal stupas of southern India, a vivid tapestry of the Buddhas life unfolds before your eyes. Each monument becomes a stage, portraying distinct episodes from his journey, NMKs curator Ryu Seung-jin said of the reason behind the sections spatial design.

Tree and Serpent runs through April 14, 2024 at the NMK.

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Ancient Buddhist art of India pulsates with life in Seoul -

The Sacred Arts Tour of Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery will be returning to the Folsom and Placerville area January 3rd through the 20th, 2024. Since 2003, Placerville Friends of Tibet has hosted the tour for over 20 years and are pleased to extend the tour to the Folsom area in 2024. Cultivating Compassion is the message for this years locally sponsored tour.

Gaden Shartse Monastery and the Tibetan monks, located (in exile) in Southern India, know and love the Sierra Foothills and surrounding communities. The tour is deeply grateful to the founders, organizers, community, and partners that have made this possible over the years.

During the tour, the Monks will share their arts and culture, Tibetan perspectives on the Buddhas teachings, offering empowerments, astrology readings, healings, and blessings for individuals, families, businesses, pets, and the community at large.

In Folsom: The opening ceremony and Dharma talk explaining this mandala will begin on January 3rd, 6:00 p.m. The public can view the daily progress of the sand mandala from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The sand mandala creation culminates with a closing mandala dissolution ceremony on Saturday, January 6th @ 4:00 p.m.

In Placerville: The opening ceremony and Dharma talk explaining this mandala will begin on January 9th, 6:00 p.m. The public can view the daily progress of the sand mandala from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The sand mandala creation culminates with a closing mandala dissolution ceremony on Saturday, January 20th @ 4:00 p.m.Please visit the website and check the scheduleplacervillefriendsoftibet.org

This event helps support Gaden Shartse Monastic College, which is situated in the remote countryside of southern India. It was founded in 1969 as an effort to re-establish one of the great monastic traditions of Tibetthe Gelug tradition followed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. A small group of elder monks and fifteen young boys, all of whom had managed to escape the destruction in Tibet, settled on land given to them by the Indian government in Mundgod, Karnataka.

Today the college is at the forefront of the revival of Tibetan Monastic education, with more than 1600 resident students, teachers, scholars, and spiritual practitioners. More than 70% of the members are between the ages of 10 and 25 and 80% of these were born in Tibet. To this day, young monks arrive at the Monastery weekly from Tibet, seeking shelter and education. Due to the success of the academic program and the quality of the teachers at the monastery, Gaden Shartse has established a reputation as being the leader in the field of Buddhist and Tibetan studies.

Placerville Friends of Tibet is a group of dedicated volunteers who, since 2003, have committed their time, energy, and resources to sharing the culture of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism with the communities of El Dorado County, the Sierra Nevada Foothills, and the greater Sacramento region. This group is an incubator partnership with Arts & Culture El Dorado.

This years tour is sponsored by: Dignity Health,, The Karuna Center for Mindful Engagementthekarunacenter.organd Arts and Culture El Doradoartsandcultureeldorado.org

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Tibetan Buddhist Monks Tour to visit Mercy Hospital of Folsom - Folsom Times

Ani Zamba Chozom. From facebook.com

The widely respected Buddhist teacher Ani Zamba Chozom, one of the first Western female monastics to be fully ordained, has died after an extended illness. She was 75 years old.

According to statements from close friends and associates, Ani Zamba passed on 23 December at a hospital in Sao Paolo.

Ani Zamba was born Susan Dawn Belanda in London in 1948. Growing up, she suffered a serious illness that aroused within her a desire to dedicate her life to the benefit of others. In 1969, seeking answers to the suffering of life, she traveled to India, where she eventually began to study the Buddhadharma. She was subsequently able to travel widely, studying and practicing in several Buddhist traditions.

She received the Dharma name Jampa Chozom when the renowned scholar and meditation master Geshe Rabten ordained her as a monastic in Dharamsala in 1972. In 1975, she received full bhikshuni ordination in Hong Kong, and from 1978, she spent an extended period working at a drug rehabilitation center in Thailands Wat Thamkrabok.

Ani Zamba spent a total of nine years living in India and Nepal, where she received teachings from many great Gelugpa, Drukpa Kagyu, and Nyingma lamas. She studied and practiced under some of the most revered modern masters of Tibetan Buddhism, among them Khamtrul Rinpoche, Dungsey Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, Dudjom Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, Lama Wangdur, and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.

In 1983, Ani Zamba received full ordination again in South Korea, and was later given further ordinations in Taiwan and China. While living in Thailand from 197882, she met many great teachers from the Thai Forest Tradition of that time, while also working in a Khmer Rouge refugee camp and with child prostitution.

Ani Zambas work and travel would subsequently see her based in the Philippines, Hong Kongs Lamma Island, and the United States.

Eventually she settled in Brazil, where Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche had founded a Dharma center, becoming his representative in the north of the country. After Rinpoches death in 2002, she would go on to become an independent teacher with her own community of students, offering practical teachings in the Dzogchen tradition, especially on the direct observation of the nature of the mind, and establishing a retreat center.

Ani Zamba was widely lauded for her courage in the face of the numerous obstacles encountered by Western female monastics studying the Buddhadharma in Asia. Messages were posted widely online mourning her passing. Information on services and memorials are expected to be shared on social media.

In a message shared on Facebook, her close friend Ani Jinba said in part: Yesterday one of my oldest friends since the early seventies, British nun Ani Zamba (Jampa Chozom), passed away at a hospital in Brazil after a long illness. . . . Her passing is a great loss for the Dharma and she will be missed by many, may the blessings of her great masters continue to guide her . . .

Ani Zamba(Facebook)

The Life Story of Ani Zamba Chozom: Part Two Meeting Lama Yeshe The Life Story of Ani Zamba Chozom: Part Three Ordination, First Retreat, and First Teaching The Life Story of Ani Zamba Chozom: Part Four Finding the Nyingma Lineage The Life Story of Ani Zamba Chozom: Part Five Dzogchen and Meeting Her Teachers The Life Story of Ani Zamba Chozom: Part Six Thailand, Burma, and Korea The Life Story of Ani Zamba Chozom: Part Seven From Korea to the Philippines to Hong Kong The Life Story of Ani Zamba Chozom: Part Eight Brazil

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Renowned Buddhist Nun and Teacher Ani Zamba Chozom Has Died - Buddhistdoor Global

In our non-stop, plugged-in world, the quest for inner peace can feel like an elusive treasure hunt.

We often look to self-help gurus or wellness retreats, but what if I told you that the path to tranquility has been mapped out for centuries?

Thats right, centuries.

Buddhist philosophy offers timeless insights on finding harmony within, and its not as out of reach as you might think.

Let me level with you I used to roll my eyes at the idea of inner peace. It seemed like a lofty concept reserved for monks and yogis.

But then, I took a deep dive into Buddhist teachings and realized its not about escaping lifes hustle and bustle; its about navigating it with a calmer, more centered mindset.

Ready to find out how?

Lets explore together seven Buddhist-inspired ways to quiet the noise and cultivate a sense of serenity that sticks with you.

And dont worry, you wont need to meditate for hours on end or renounce your worldly possessions.

Its all about simple shifts that can lead to profound changes in your everyday life.

Ever caught yourself zoning out during a conversation or mindlessly scrolling through your phone? Weve all been there.

In Buddhist philosophy, mindfulness is the antidote to this autopilot mode.

Its about being fully present in the moment, aware of where we are and what were doing, without getting overly reactive or overwhelmed by whats going on around us.

Heres the kicker mindfulness isnt as daunting as it sounds. It starts with small steps.

Try this: focus on your breath for a minute or two. Feel the air moving in and out of your lungs, the rise and fall of your chest. When thoughts intrude and they will gently guide your attention back to your breathing.

This simple practice can be a gateway to a more mindful way of living.

By weaving mindfulness into our daily activities like savoring our morning coffee or truly listening when someone speaks we can start to find peace amid the chaos. Its about enjoying the journey, not just racing to the destination.

So next time you eat a meal, pay attention to each bite, the flavors, textures, and sensations. You might just find joy in the most ordinary experiences.

Mindfulness opens our eyes to the present, and this awareness naturally leads us to let go of attachment. As we become more present, we begin to see the impermanence in our attachments and learn to release our grip on them

This one hit me like a ton of bricks.

Attachment, in the Buddhist sense, isnt just about your collection of vintage stamps or your favorite coffee mug. Its a deep-seated habit of clinging to things, people, and experiences, creating a cycle of desire and dissatisfaction.

I remember when I clung desperately to a relationship that had run its course.

The fear of being alone was paralyzing. But heres what I learned: holding on was like tightly gripping a handful of sand the harder I tried to keep it, the more it slipped through my fingers.

When I finally let go, it felt like taking a deep breath after being underwater for too long.

The practice of non-attachment doesnt mean you stop caring. It means you learn to love freely without imposing conditions or expectations that can lead to disappointment. Its about appreciating what you have while recognizing that everything is transient.

Now, when I embrace new relationships or opportunities, I remind myself to enjoy them for what they are in the moment, not what they might become or how long they might last. Its incredibly liberating and has been a cornerstone in my journey toward inner peace.

Letting go of attachment paves the way for cultivating compassion. As we detach from our rigid expectations and desires, our hearts open wider, allowing us to empathize more deeply with ourselves and others

Ill be honest, there was a time when my inner critic had a megaphone, and I was its favorite target.

But I soon realized that beating myself up got me nowhere. Thats when I stumbled upon the Buddhist practice of compassion, starting with oneself.

It was during one particularly rough week, juggling deadlines and personal drama, that I found myself spiraling into self-criticism. Youre not good enough, my mind hissed.

But then, I paused. I remembered reading about Metta, or loving-kindness meditation a practice of directing well-wishes to oneself and then to others.

So, I gave it a shot.

Sitting quietly, I repeated phrases like May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I be at peace, and something shifted. The gnawing anxiety eased. It wasnt an overnight transformation, but with time and practice, cultivating compassion became like a balm for my frazzled nerves.

And it didnt stop with me. Extending compassion outward, even to those who ruffled my feathers, changed the game. Its not about being a doormat; its about recognizing the shared human experience that just like me, others want to be happy and free from suffering.

This shift in perspective has been key in finding inner peace and navigating life with a gentler heart.

As our compassion grows, so does our patience. Understanding and empathy teach us the value of waiting, of giving ourselves and others the time and space to grow and heal

I used to be the person tapping my foot impatiently in line, checking my watch every 30 seconds. If things didnt happen on my timeline, frustration bubbled up like a volcano.

Then, I encountered the Buddhist virtue of patience, and it was a game-changer.

Patience, in Buddhism, is not just about waiting without complaining; its about understanding the natural flow of life and our limited control over it. Its recognizing that our impatience often stems from a desire for instant gratification or an aversion to discomfort.

One summer, I decided to grow a garden. I planted seeds with high hopes for a bountiful harvest. Days turned into weeks, and my excitement waned as I saw no sign of life. It was a lesson in patience right there in the soil nature couldnt be rushed. Then one morning, tiny green shoots pushed through the earth, and I was reminded that growth takes time.

Applying this to life, I now approach challenges with a new mantra: This too shall pass.

Whether Im stuck in traffic or facing a delay in plans, I breathe and remind myself that getting worked up wont make things move any faster.

Learning to accept each moment as it comes, without the inner turmoil of impatience, has brought a sense of calm and acceptance that is truly peaceful.

Patience nurtures an understanding of lifes transient nature. As we learn to wait and watch, the truth of impermanence becomes clearer, teaching us the value of each fleeting moment

I was sifting through old photos the other day when I came across a picture of myself as a child, grinning ear to ear with an ice cream cone in hand. It struck me how much has changed since then not just my height or hairstyle, but everything.

Its a concept deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy: impermanence, or anicca.

Nothing lasts forever. Seasons change, relationships evolve, and pain fades.

In Buddhism, recognizing the transient nature of life is essential for inner peace. Clinging to the way things wereor how we want them to beis like trying to hold onto a sunset; its beautiful but fleeting.

When I first learned that the atoms that make up our bodies are mostly empty space and are in a constant state of flux, it was both unsettling and enlightening. It reminded me of the ever-changing nature of existence.

Now, when I encounter change or loss, I try to see it through the lens of impermanence. Yes, it can be tough to let go, but theres also beauty in the ephemeral nature of life.

Embracing this truth has helped me appreciate the present and find peace in knowing that change is not just a part of lifeit is life.

With the understanding of impermanence, we start to find contentment in the simple things. We realize that the constant chase for more only leads to transient happiness, and simplicity offers a more enduring peace

Last year, I found myself overwhelmed by the clutter in my home. It wasnt just the physical stuff; my schedule was a tangled mess of commitments, and my mind buzzed with endless to-do lists.

It was then that I stumbled upon the Buddhist concept of simplicity, and it felt like a breath of fresh air.

Simplifying life is about more than cleaning out a closet or clearing a calendar. Its about stripping away the non-essential to make room for what truly matters.

For me, that meant reevaluating my priorities and learning to say no. It meant quiet evenings with a book instead of mindless scrolling, and heart-to-heart conversations instead of crowded gatherings.

This shift towards simplicity wasnt easy. I wrestled with the fear of missing out and the urge to stay busy.

But as I began to embrace a less cluttered life, I noticed a sense of contentment creeping in. The silence that once made me uneasy became a space for reflection and growth.

The beauty of simplicity is that it doesnt just create room in our closets and calendars; it creates space in our minds. In this space, I found peace that was both grounding and liberatinga sanctuary from the relentless pursuit of more. It turns out that sometimes, less really is more.

And as we embrace simplicity, we naturally gravitate towards reflection, a practice that fosters wisdom. In the quietude of a simpler life, we find the space to reflect, learn, and grow in understanding.

Theres a teaching in Buddhism about the two wings of a bird representing wisdom and compassion, both essential for the journey to enlightenment.

For me, the pursuit of wisdom has been the most pivotal in seeking inner peace.

Wisdom isnt just about knowledge; its about deep understanding and insight, especially into the nature of our own minds.

Each night, I carve out time for reflection, a quiet period to contemplate my actions and experiences of the day.

This practice isnt about self-judgment or rumination but rather observing patterns, learning from mistakes, and acknowledging growth. Its during these moments of stillness that Ive uncovered truths about myself and the world around me.

The most important thing to know is that wisdom is accessible to everyone. It doesnt require a library of texts or a guru to guide you; it starts with looking inward and asking questions.

Why do I react the way I do? What can this situation teach me?

The answers often come in whispers, in the space between thoughts, and they bring with them a tranquility that feels like coming home to yourself.

If these practices resonate with you, its a sign that youre on the path to cultivating inner peace. Remember, this isnt about perfection or a destination; its an ongoing journey of self-discovery and harmony.

Embracing these tenets from Buddhist philosophy doesnt require a radical life change but rather, a shift in perspective and intention. Its about finding contentment in the present and recognizing the transient nature of our worries and stresses.

Begin by incorporating these practices into your daily routine, whether its taking five minutes to meditate or simply pausing to breathe deeply during a hectic day. Each step is a stone on the path to tranquility.

Understanding that this is a personal process, be gentle with yourself as you explore these avenues to peace. Reflect on your progress, celebrate your growth, and remember that each moment is an opportunity to return to these principles.

As you move forward, may you find that with each mindful step, a sense of calm and clarity naturally unfolds within you. This is the essence of inner peace a serene landscape that exists within, waiting for you to visit whenever you seek refuge from the outer world.

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7 ways to attain inner peace, based on Buddhist philosophy - Hack Spirit

For years, Ethereum developers have been hard at work on one of the network's gravest security risks: thousands of validators operate the second most valuable blockchain, but just a few of them have almost all of the power.

Every 12 seconds, a new block of transactions is added to Ethereum. Those blocks are added by validators, which could be companies, individuals or collectives that lock up, or "stake," at least 32 ETH (currently aboout $70,000 worth) in exchange for a steady yield.

Lido, the collective that is the biggest validator on Ethereum, controls 32% of all staked ETH. If this share grows by just a couple of percentage points creeping past the 33% threshold required to block a 67% supermajority of validators network outages or deliberate malfeasance at Lido could have massive ramifications for Ethereum as a whole.

This vulnerability stems from the "centralized" nature of most validators; virtually all validators are just individual computers (or servers) loaded with one of a few popular node-running softwares. If there are bugs in the software or if a computer falls offline or if the person operating a big validator decides to act dishonestly then the entire network might suffer.

Distributed validator technology, or DVT, aims to put these risks into the past. Projects that use the tech like Obol, SSV and Diva help validators spread their operations between several parties, ostensibly as a way to make validators more resilient and less subject to single points of failure.

DVT solutions have been talked about for a while, but even as some long-awaited DVT platforms are finally going live, their overall adoption remains low. By Obol's estimate, less than a single percentage point's worth of staked ETH is controlled by DVT-based validators.

In 2024, that could all change. Leaders in the DVT space are finally putting the finishing touches on their platforms, and Lido could soon transition some of its operations into the hands of distributed infrastructure.

This article is featured in the latest issue of The Protocol, our weekly newsletter exploring the tech behind crypto, one block at a time. Sign up here to get it in your inbox every Wednesday. Also please check out our weekly The Protocol podcast.

The big selling point of blockchain networks is that they are "decentralized." Ethereum's validator system which spreads power between parties according to how much ETH they stake is the main way it remains resilient to outages and stays "credibly neutral," meaning it's theoretically immune to the whims of companies or governments.

But just a few validators, including those run by Lido, have gradually amassed a lion's share of the power over the network.

Lido's market presence grants it a huge amount of sway over how transactions are added to the chain because validators ultimately choose which transactions are written to Ethereum and in what order.

Even more troublingly, should Lido or any other validator ever amass 33% of all staked ETH, it will have the ability to meddle with how the chain reaches consensus. If Lido goes offline or decides to attack the network once it passes this critical threshold, it could, in theory, put the brakes on all network activity.

The prospect of network attacks and unfair distribution of power have always loomed larger over Ethereum. The ecosystem has historically prided itself on operating with a relatively high degree of decentralization, and it shifted from a Bitcoin-esque mining system to its present-day staking regime in part to help further democratize control over the network.

But as certain stakers and Lido, in particular have amassed more and more control over the Etheruem network, DVT has been looked to as a possible saving grace.

"It all goes back to the ethos of Ethereum," said Alon Muroch, founder of DVT firm SSV, which offers a network that validator operators can use to split up control over their infrastructure. "People don't want to be dependent on a single entity. I think that ethos is very strong."

While no two DVT solutions are exactly alike, they generally work similarly, by splitting the "keys" to a given validator across several different nodes. A consensus of key holders needs to sign off on decisions over how DVT validators operate, and if one key holder goes offline, others can fill in to keep things running.

A benefit to this setup is the added resiliency.

"Today validators are single-engine planes. If a validator goes down, it's offline," said Brett Li, head of growth at Obol Labs, which is also building a network to distribute validators. With DVT, "It's redundancy. You can have two engines, and if one of the engines fails, you can still get where you need to go safely."

With product launches and testnets this year from Obol, Diva, SSV and others, long-simmering hopes for a more decentralized Ethereum validator network are finally nearing production.

In November, Lido took a first step toward transitioning to DVT with the introduction of its "Simple DVT Module." Lido takes deposits from users and distributes them across third-party validator operators. With the new DVT module, which is being tested in partnership with Obol and SSV, Lido's third-party validators can become decentralized blunting the ability for Lido, which ultimately controls its validators today, to exert undue pressure on them.

The ambitions for DVT operators don't end with Lido.

"If the milestone with Lido succeeds, then it's gonna be the standard for everyone, because Lido is the biggest," said Muroch." If Lido makes the move, then others will make the move."

It could take some time for Lido to transition its validators to DVT, or for wider infrastructure operators to feel comfortable adopting the technology. Validators run by big institutions might continue to run their validators fully in-house comfortable with the software and maintenance required to keep a validator node afloat, and reticent to adopt new tech that could impinge their flexibility.

But hobbyist "solo-stakers" and community-run collectives like Lido, which continue to account for a large overall proportion of all staked ETH, might soon embrace DVT as a result of its easy setup and ideological underpinnings.

"In two or three years you'll see hopefully between a third or half of validators running on DVT," Muroch estimated. Obol's Li offered a similar near-term prediction, and said that in the long-run he expects "80%" of validators to run on DVT-based infrastructure.

Correction (Dec. 21, 12:43 UTC): Corrects SSV founder Alon Muroch's name and title.

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Lido Tests of 'Distributed Validator Technology' Portend 2024 Decentralization Push - CoinDesk

The PBS Foundation is opening applications for an initial $1 million in grants for research and development on Ethereum proposer-builder separation.

The non-profits pilot phase drew support from Coinbase, Consensys, Fenbushi Capital, Flashbots, Paradigm, the Uniswap Foundation and Vitalik Buterin.

Grants will be disbursed by a council. The council includes representatives from Blocknative, Consensys, the Ethereum Foundation and Flashbots, among others. The foundations grant lead is Eugene Leventhal from the research group Metagov.

Read more: For Ethereum rollups, dealing with data remains a bottleneck

First proposed by Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin, proposer-builder separation (PBS) is the concept of separating proposers which submit transaction bundles to validators on a blockchain and builders, which organize the transactions in a specific order.

PBS represents an attempt at decentralization, as the combination of proposing and building gives well-heeled centralized mining pools a competitive advantage.

PBS first went into effect after Ethereums Merge to proof-of-stake. Now, the PBS Foundation aims to promote research and infrastructure to address some of the challenges the concept currently faces.

Notably, MEV-boost relays have become centralized since the Merge. Relayers operate between block builders and validators on maximal extractable value (MEV) boosted transactions, selecting blocks with the highest possible fees. Roughly 90% of transactions in the last 500 epochs, or roughly two days, made use of MEV-boost. Of MEV-boost transactions in the past 24 hours, roughly 97% have been handled by five relayers, according to relayscan.

Blocknative, once among those top relayers, discontinued its service in September, citing economic viability concerns. Relayers do not currently collect fees. Uri Klarman, CEO of bloXroute, which runs a large relayer, has advocated fee structures outside of public goods funding to incentivize more relayers to join the fray.

A spokesperson for the PBS Foundation said the grant funding could be used to fund relayers, with a particular emphasis on those who introduce novel designs for relaying.

The funding will also be focused on community and educational materials, data transparency on Ethereums mempool and blocks, and research on how PBS can be improved or even enshrined on both the primary network and on layer-2 networks.

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Buterin, Coinbase and more to fund Ethereum decentralization grants - Blockworks

In the evolving 'travelverse', where cutting-edge technology intersects with the timeless allure of exploration, the travel and hospitality industry stand at the cusp of a revolutionary shift. The integration of blockchain technology and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) promises to redefine the landscape of travel experiences, loyalty programs, and the very essence of cultural interactions.

This short article delves into the opportunities presented by these technologies, drawing inspiration from an article of mine: Revolutionizing the Travel and Hospitality Industry with Blockchain and NFTs, published on Hospitality Net on 16 March 2023.

The core of travel lies in authentic experiences and cultural interactions. Blockchain technology, with its inherent data immutability and programmability, offers a unique platform to enhance these experiences without detracting from their authenticity.

Smart contracts, a pivotal element of blockchain, enable the automatic execution of agreements, ensuring reliability and efficiency in travel arrangements. This technological advancement can streamline processes, particularly repetitive ones, benefiting travelers and operators alike. It opens doors for small-scale operators to promote unique, local experiences, thereby preserving the authenticity of cultural interactions in the digital age.

Smart contracts are set to be the backbone of secure transactions in the travel ecosystem. By automating the verification and execution of contracts, they ensure transparency and reduce the potential for fraud. This aspect is particularly beneficial in areas like expense reporting and compliance in business travel, where smart contracts can streamline processes and ensure adherence to company policies.

Room tokenization, emerging through the innovative use of NFTs, offers a transformative approach in the travel and hospitality sector. This concept involves the digital representation of hotel rooms or unique travel experiences as non-fungible tokens.

These tokens, distinct and non-replicable, can be traded, sold, or even collected, introducing a dynamic new element to the travel market. This not only provides travellers with unprecedented flexibility and choice but also opens up novel revenue opportunities for service providers. By tokenizing rooms and experiences, the industry can cater to a range of traveler preferences, from those seeking luxury accommodations to those desiring unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

The role of NFTs extends beyond mere tokenization, playing a pivotal role in enhancing experiential tourism.

NFTs enable the sharing of a journey's narrative, encapsulating the essence of the places visited and the depth of connections made with destinations and cultures. This concept of "tokenization of emotions", as I"ve explored in my book "All about NFTs" by Hoepli publisher, allows for the representation of travel experiences as authentic, reputational values.

These tokens can be utilized for storytelling post-travel, adding value to the traveler's experience while simultaneously benefiting the destination and its operators. Through this innovative use of NFTs, the travel industry can create a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience, bridging the gap between physical travel and digital memorabilia.

Decentralization, a fundamental aspect of blockchain, can revolutionize loyalty programs in the travel industry. By removing intermediaries, blockchain enables a more direct and transparent relationship between service providers and customers.

This shift can lead to more personalized and flexible loyalty programs, where travellers have greater control over their rewards and experiences. The decentralized nature of blockchain ensures a more equitable and inclusive system, where smaller operators can compete with larger entities, offering unique and localized rewards.

As blockchain becomes more integrated into the travel industry, several challenges emerge. Adoption requires a significant shift in current operational models, and the industry must be prepared for this transition.

Regulatory frameworks are still catching up with the rapid pace of technological advancements, posing a challenge in terms of compliance and standardization. Ensuring a seamless user experience is crucial, as travellers vary in their tech-savviness. The industry must strive to make these technologies accessible and user-friendly.

The adoption of decentralized technologies is not without risks. Issues such as data privacy, security vulnerabilities, and the digital divide must be addressed. To mitigate these challenges, the industry needs to invest in robust security protocols, ensure transparency in data usage, and provide adequate digital literacy training to both travellers and service providers.

In an increasingly digital world, maintaining the human element in travel is paramount. While technology can enhance efficiency and convenience, it should not replace personal connections and human interactions that form the essence of travel. The industry must find a balance, leveraging technology to enrich experiences while preserving the personal touch that makes travel meaningful.

The integration of blockchain and NFTs in the travel and hospitality industry offers a plethora of opportunities, from enhancing the authenticity of travel experiences to revolutionizing loyalty programs and ensuring secure transactions.

However, it is crucial to manage these technological advancements with a keen awareness of their potential challenges and a commitment to preserving the human essence of travel. By striking this balance, the industry can step confidently into a future where technology and tradition coexist harmoniously.

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Embracing the future of travel ... decentralization | By - Hospitality Net

EDITORIAL USE (Photo by BRIAN BIELMANN/AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images

On Tuesday, Nov 28, legendary Bitcoin Core developer Luke Dashjr announced the launch of OCEAN mining, which closed a $6.2M round led by Block Head Jack Dorsey as a new type of mining pool that aims to decentralize bitcoin mining.

As Luke put it in a communique on Oct 31, OCEAN is "a new type of pool that enables miners to be truly miners again."

Bitcoin mining today is primarily done via pooled mining, which requires miners to point their hashrate to a mining pool that aggregates this towards mining blocks and subsequently makes payouts to these miners. Nearly all mining pools communicate using a now outdated protocol introduced in 2012 called Stratum V1, which only lets the pool have the final say on which transactions ultimately make it into a block.

In the aforementioned communique from Oct 31, Luke highlights that "the centralization and overreach of other pool operators has changed Bitcoin to the point where the security model of Bitcoin is at high risk." Adding, "Pools operate like custodial bank accounts and have the ability to decide who can and who can't use Bitcoin."

It is for these reasons that increasing efforts are underway to decentralize bitcoin mining to address the issues with the existing Stratum V1 protocol, the consequences of having dominant mining pools in certain regions, and having mining done by a handful of pools.

OCEAN, a Wyoming-based company, co-founded by Bitcoin Core developer Luke Dashjr, is a non-custodial pool that requires only a bitcoin address to join, and is the successor of the Eligius bitcoin mining pool (a popular zero-fee mining pool that had mined over 11,631 blocks), which Luke founded and was operated from 2010-2017.

Since its launch, OCEAN has successfully found two blocks and operates at a hash rate of around 422.8 Ph/s. Additionally, as part of its commitment to transparency, the company displays its node policy and block templates on its website.

Over the last few weeks, discussions around handling data such as inscriptions on-chain have surfaced, with OCEAN being accused censoring these transactions, but seems to be a misunderstanding.

Due to OCEAN running a parallel implantation of the bitcoin node software, Knots, maintained by Luke, certain transactions in the above bucket go beyond the default maximum 42-byte datacarriersize limit (responsible for dictating the maximum size of data in data carrier transactions that get relayed and mined) which cause them to be excluded from the blocks it mines.

Currently, there are no Stratum V2 mining pools that engage in pooled mining, however, OCEAN intends to fully transition into using Stratum V2 and allow for payouts to miners over the Lightning Network.

As posted by Luke on Dec 8 on X, formerly Twitter, "OCEAN is on a path to decentralization, and very soon, we are going to be in a position where hashers will be able to fully participate as miners and perform the intelligent parts of mining such as deciding which version of node software to run and what filters or other policies to apply to block template construction."

Additionally, OCEAN is on a mission to build on its three core principles of being non-custodial, transparent, and permissionless by focusing its efforts in 2024, amongst other things, on "leveraging and improving Stratum V2" and incorporating "Lightning payouts, which will solve the dust problem for small miners."

The options for miners in 2024 are promising. The overall landscape of efforts focused on decentralizing bitcoin mining is also on a positive trend and, undoubtedly, a welcomed change for all miners globally.

I'm a Nigerian Bitcoin core contributor and the CEO of the Bitcoin venture capital firm Recursive Capital. I also serve as a board member of trust, a non-profit focused on training African bitcoin and lightning developers via Btrust builders and growing the African Bitcoin ecosystem.

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OCEAN Aims To Further Bitcoin Mining Decentralisation In 2024 - Forbes

The EthereumPOW core team is disbanding to achieve decentralized governance, with OneDAO providing temporary support. Image by Sergey Nivens, Adobe Stock.

The core development team behind the proof-of-work (PoW) fork of Ethereum announced on Tuesday its decision to dissolve EthereumPOWs centralized structure in favor of complete decentralization.

According to the announcement, the EthereumPOW core team will be disbanded in order to achieve full autonomy. Going forward, EthereumPOW will rely solely on PoW consensus and decentralized governance to become a deity-less public chain. This move hands over governance of the EthereumPOW blockchain to its community of users and miners.

Servers supporting the network will be transferred to OneDAO, a decentralized protocol on the Harmony blockchain. OneDAO will provide transitional maintenance for EthereumPOW until long-term ecosystem partners can be established.

Lead EthereumPOW developer Jadal Page explained the reasoning behind relinquishing centralized control.

We have explored and validated the feasibility of ETHW operating independently without Cores support, confirming the fundamental technical and operational conditions for ETHW in such a scenario, Page wrote in the announcement.

The Ethereum hard fork occurred in September 2022, just before the main Ethereum blockchain transitioned from PoW consensus to a more energy-efficient proof-of-stake model following the Merge upgrade.

Some developers and miners unhappy with the perceived centralization and loss of revenues created EthereumPOW to preserve the original PoW-based Ethereum. Since its launch, the forked token ETHW has struggled to gain adoption, however.

Grayscale decided against supporting ETHW in September, citing a lack of liquidity and custodial support. This removed a major source of potential demand. As a result, ETHW has declined from its launch price of $100 to around $2.59 currently.

By dissolving centralized control and embracing community governance, the EthereumPOW team hopes to reinvigorate the network. OneDAO will provide technical assistance during the transitional period as the developers step back. Still, success will ultimately hinge on whether the cryptocurrency community chooses to adopt EthereumPOW over the dominant Ethereum PoS blockchain.

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EthereumPOW Core Team Disbands to Achieve Full Decentralization as OneDAO Provides Transitional Support - Cryptonews

Cubas President Sets 2024 as Year of Territorial Decentralization

In a recent announcement, Cubas President, Miguel Daz-Canel, has set a goal for 2024 to advance in the decentralization of powers at the territorial level. This move seeks to bolster local capacities by using the resources and strengths inherent to each territory, as well as to strengthen work systems and productivity in municipalities. Decentralization is seen as a way to optimize management and sustainable development, allowing greater autonomy and response capacity to the specific needs of each region. With this measure, Daz-Canel is directing municipalities to exploit their endogenous potentialities and develop faculties that allow them to be more self-sufficient and efficient in their management.

(Read Also: Cubas Law No. 143: A Modern Approach to Criminal Justice)

In spite of the efforts of the government and related institutions, Cuba faces challenges in agricultural production and food security. There is an urgent need to organize local food systems to achieve food sovereignty and security. High prices of agricultural products and the impact of hurricanes on crops compound these issues. The program for urban, suburban, and family agriculture in Cuba is a focal point, highlighting its history, current situation, and challenges. The resurgence of potato cultivation in the province of Holgun, using agroecological techniques, is noteworthy.

The provincial governments of Cienfuegos and Las Tunas accounted for their management before the National Assembly of Peoples Power, detailing the operation of the main economic and social development programs in both territories during 2023. Measures to dynamize the national economy, improve healthcare and education sectors from the perspective of workers income, and the implementation of Law 143, Of the Criminal Process, were discussed. The implementation of the Family Code was also evaluated.

(Read Also: Rethinking Agriculture: Challenges, Innovations, and the Future)

The Horticultural Research Institute Liliana Dimitrova in the Mayabeque province is working on a project to reproduce aromatic plant species in Cuba, with the goal of replacing imports. They have successfully adapted 13 varieties of aromatic plants to the Cuban climate and are working on ensuring a high-quality product through good agricultural practices and proper processing. The institute aims to serve as an example for the rest of the country in this regard.

From 2024, Cuba will implement a series of socio-economic measures that will, according to President Miguel Daz-Canel, make a necessary leap in the economy. The National Assembly of Peoples Power of Cuba assessed the implementation of the Family Code positively, though recognizing there are paths to travel in its instrumentation. President Daz-Canel emphasized the importance of municipal assemblies playing a more active role in social prevention and attention strategies in communities. Cuba is currently working on modifications of the legal framework for micro, small, and medium enterprises (Mypimes) on the island, two years after the first norms to regulate their activities were approved.

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Cuba's Decentralization Plans: Aiming for Local Autonomy by 2024 - BNN Breaking