SOJORN: CORE VALUES & OPERATIONAL ETHICS

"To save all beings." This is not a metaphor. It is a work order.

1. THE FOUNDATION: ENGAGED ZEN

Sojorn is rooted in the tradition of Engaged Buddhism and the Soto Zen school. We do not preach dharma; we code it. We do not teach theology; we facilitate action.

Our guiding principle is Orthopraxy (Right Action) over Orthodoxy (Right Belief).

The goal of this platform is Collective Liberation. In a world burning with inequality and hate, neutrality is complicity. We take the cushion into the street. We use technology not to escape reality, but to confront it and heal it.

2. THE GATE: STRICT EXCLUSION

To build a Sangha (community) focused on safety and progress, we must vigorously defend the gate. This platform operates on the Paradox of Tolerance: We do not tolerate intolerance.

This app is NOT for:

MAGA / Alt-Right / Fascists: The ideologies of white nationalism, Christian nationalism, and authoritarianism are manifestations of Avidya (fundamental ignorance) and Dvesha (hate). They are incompatible with our existence.
Bigots & Phobes: Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism are acts of violence. They are rejected instantly.
"Devils Advocate" Centrists: We are not here to debate the humanity of marginalized groups. If you are "just asking questions" about someone's right to exist, you are not welcome.

This app IS for:

Progressives, Radical Leftists, Anarchists, Socialists, and Abolitionists.
Activists fighting for environmental justice, racial equity, and bodily autonomy.
Those committed to the Bodhisattva path of alleviating suffering through systemic change.

3. THE WALLS: PRIVACY AS SANCTUARY

A Zendo (meditation hall) has walls for a reason. You cannot do the work if you are being watched by those who wish you harm.

Private First: Sojorn is a "Walled Garden." No content is indexable by search engines. No content is viewable by non-members.
The Safe Container: Membership is a privilege, not a right. We prioritize the safety of the collective over the "freedom of speech" of the oppressor.
Data Sovereignty: We do not sell user data. Profiting from surveillance is an act of Greed (Raga), one of the Three Poisons we fight against.

4. THE CODE: ALGORITHMIC ETHICS

Our programming logic reflects our values. We reject the "Attention Economy" which thrives on agitation and doom-scrolling.

No Algorithmic Agitation: We do not optimize for "Time on Site." We optimize for "Time in Action."
Anti-Viral Design: We do not amplify content simply because it creates conflict. Virality often rewards the loudest, most aggressive voices. Sojorn rewards clarity, compassion, and utility.
The "Pause" Feature: The app will actively encourage users to step away and engage with the physical world. The screen is a tool, not the destination.

5. CONTENT FILTERING: THE THREE POISONS

Moderation is not censorship; it is strict hygiene for the community mind. We filter content based on the removal of the Three Poisons:

Greed (Raga):
- No predatory advertising.
- No crypto-grifting or multi-level marketing.
- No commodification of activist causes.
Hate (Dvesha):
- Zero tolerance for hate speech, dog whistles, or coded bigotry.
- Immediate ban for harassment or doxxing.
Delusion (Moha):
- No disinformation or conspiracy theories (QAnon, climate denial, etc.).
- No bad-faith argumentation designed to derail organization.

6. THE AGREEMENT

By installing or logging into Sojorn, you acknowledge that you are entering a private space dedicated to progressive action.

You agree that:

You are here to alleviate suffering, not cause it.
You align with the political necessity of anti-fascism and anti-racism.
You understand that violations of these values will result in immediate, permanent removal from the Sangha.

We are not here to debate. We are here to do the work.

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