We need other possibilities for understanding who we are as individuals. On a personal level, exploring what it means to be an interdependent individual allows us to stop living at odds with reality. As we gain a more realistic understanding of who we are and how we are interconnected, our lives can become much more satisfying and meaningful.
In other words, “interdependent individual” is not a contradiction. Far from being an oxymoron, this term can be a powerful guide leading us to take better charge of our own lives.
17th Karmapa
from the book Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society
Read a random quote or see all quotes by the 17th Karmapa.
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
- 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
- Being an interdependent individual