The Power of Interdependence: A Buddhist Perspective

Interdependence, which naturally leads us to the concept of shunyata, or Buddhist nonduality is a vast subject, arguably the most central theme in Buddhism. Depending on the Sutra, nonduality is explored from various angles, but understanding it is crucial for liberation from suffering and dissatisfaction at all levels. The Buddha, along with countless lineage holders, masters, and saints throughout Buddhist traditions, dedicated immense time to teaching, practicing, and writing commentaries on this concept.

As a serious meditator, regardless of your Buddhist affiliation, you'll inevitably encounter teachings on shunyata or nonduality. There are many paths to explore this concept – this won't be an exhaustive treatment, so forgive me if I don't cover every approach here. However, I'd like to discuss interdependence (pratitya samutpada in Sanskrit) as a gateway to understanding nonduality.

Interdependence is a powerful theme because it offers a fantastic entry point into nonduality, particularly within the Himalayan Buddhist tradition's framework of the Two Truths: relative truth and absolute truth. Interdependence acts as a unifying element, bridging the gap between these two truths. They aren't meant to be separate realities; rather, the separation is an unconscious habit most of us fall into. To skillfully guide us, Buddhist commentators introduced these distinct aspects of reality – relative and absolute truths.

Now, let's explore interdependence. One definition states that everything is interconnected, nothing exists in isolation. This isn't just a belief; it's a prompt. We can ask ourselves: is truly everything interrelated, or are there independent entities? Furthermore, what does "being in relationship" even mean? We often associate it with human connection, but we're constantly in relationship with everything – sounds, temperature, walls, even insects and animals.

Watching TV, reading a book, or meditating – these are all relationships as well. In Buddhism, mind is considered primary. Perception arises from the mind, and it's based on this mind that we speak, act, and essentially live. So, the mind, or the perceiver, plays a significant role in our relationships. It's the perceiving side, the one taking everything in and making decisions, seemingly independent. Yet, when we examine interdependence, we start questioning the independent nature of this perceiver, the self. As we delve deeper into this inquiry, a domino effect begins.

So, if the perceiver, the self, the "me," isn't isolated but exists in relationship, what are the consequences? How does this impact how I relate to myself, my mind, my perception, and others – these "so-called others"?

Interdependence throws open a vast landscape of profound questions. I find it helpful to view this through the lens of "relationality" – how things connect. This brings the concept down to earth and away from abstract intellectualization.

Let's take a moment for a direct experience. As you read this, become aware of the countless relationships happening within and around you, shaping your sense of self and perception. How many can you count? It's overwhelming! There are objects in the room, thoughts arising, bodily sensations, sounds – a multitude of things we can directly perceive.

Now, what shifts when you consider these as relationships, not just objects? This is the crux of interdependence – understanding the difference between objectifying our relative reality (which it is, after all) and seeing it as aspects of perception, aspects of mind, aspects of relationship itself.

Take a moment to absorb this. This is the relative side – what appears, what we're in relationship with. But it also challenges the idea of an objective world, brushing against the absolute truth or ultimate truth. We can use this same reasoning to loosen our grip on an objective reality. If everything is relational, what are "things"? What is "self"? Is the self independent, or does it exist only in relation to others?

These are the deep inquiries Buddhist nonduality explores – Shunyata and all that it entails. But I find this relational aspect particularly fascinating. Over the years of contemplating it, a powerful realization emerges: "All I am is relational." Sure, we hold onto different beliefs most of the time. But as a thought experiment, as a way to shift our initial intellectual understanding – this is a crucial first step.

We start by challenging the conceptual idea of an isolated self. Where does this isolated self even exist? It's connected to the mind and body. Questioning this centralized self begins to dismantle the notion of its independence, revealing its relational nature – connected to our experiences, other people, and everything around us.

A question I love to ask is, "Where do I begin and where does the room begin? Where do I end and where does the room end?" These questions open us to a more fluid experience of ourselves in life.

Buddhist nonduality isn't about encountering an empty void, which is nihilism and not the Buddha's teaching. The Buddha offered many gateways, and interdependence is one powerful way to access this experience of flow, fluidity, and interconnectedness. If we're not alone, there are profound implications. The first is that our perception, what appears to us, might not be the absolute truth. This opens the door to deeper levels of understanding.

We don't throw away the relative truth; it simply means everything is fluid and interconnected. Things appear and dissolve, thoughts arise and fall away, sounds come and go. We start to experience a sense of flow.

But here's the key: our grip on objectification loosens as well. This is powerful because it opens the doorway to absolute truth, and more importantly, the union of the two truths. Relative and absolute truth are not separate. This is when our meditation experiences can become truly transformative.

Naturally, this exploration begins with foundational concepts and healthy frameworks. One way we cultivate this understanding is through analytical meditation. Just like we've been doing here, we deconstruct the belief in an independent self, objectified others, and a separate external world. We pull these concepts apart and then rest in the space of what's been deconstructed.

Sometimes, a subtle shift occurs in your experience. It doesn't have to be dramatic – even a tiny shift is significant. You let go of the analysis, the contemplation, and simply rest your mind in awareness. Notice this new openness, this fluidity in your perception.

That's how we meditate on interdependence – one way, at least. There are more direct practices and metaphorical approaches. If analytical meditation feels a bit advanced, consider metaphors. They are potent tools readily available in our surroundings.

Nature is a rich source of metaphors for interconnectedness. Take a walk in the woods or on a mountain and observe the symbiotic relationships. The soil, wind, animals – everything depends on something else to function. This constant arising of relationships is all around us.

So, if analytical contemplation feels challenging, spend time in nature. Watch the sky, the clouds, the birds in their relationship to the vastness. These are ways to work with the concept of interdependence.

Here's something I use throughout the day, not quite a mantra, but a reminder: "We are always in relationship." This statement can also be a silent question: "Are things always in relationship?" Use it as a prompt to observe your experience and surroundings.

This has been particularly helpful for me in emotionally charged situations. It allows me to see that what I've been clinging to or solidifying in my reality doesn't truly exist that way. Loosening our grip brings joy and freedom, even momentarily. Over time, this practice cultivates transformation and leads towards Buddhist awakening.