It might help to understand the interdependence of our inner emotional or mental conditions through an analogy of how our internal organs work. Here, too, we see interdependence at work. Having two strong lungs is not sufficient. Our lungs must function in close connection with the rest of the respiratory system, our heart, our liver, and all the rest of the interdependent internal organs. Each needs to have a certain level of health, although if one is slightly compromised, others can compensate to a certain degree. But no one organ can keep us alive on its own.
17th Karmapa
from the book Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society
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Further quotes from the book Interconnected:
- The workings of interdependence
- An important source of closeness and love
- Webs of interdependence
- Enjoying the goodness of what you are doing
- Bringing about real change in the world
- Experiencing connection rather than isolation
- Keeping the door to improvement open
- Touching the core of our equality
- Acting against self-serving impulses
- We hold nothing back
- A genuine sense of affection
- The power of our senses
- Delight in positive thoughts
- Opening up to the view of interconnectedness
- Remaining indifferent to the suffering of animals
- Self-discipline
- Our life is like a vast net
- You exist in connection with others
- The ability to experience genuine closeness
- Dismantling the walls that separate us