Viewing ourselves through the lens of interdependence brings certain qualities and values into focus. For example, when we hold to a sense of ourselves as utterly independent, we can come to believe and behave as if we were entirely self-made, as if our own individuality called together all the conditions needed to bring us into being. This can lead to false pride and overbearing arrogance, as if we independently created our own individuality and owe nothing to anyone. When we ignore our interdependence, we are disregarding the importance of others to our well-being. We devalue their contributions to who we are. This kind of pride is a symptom of narrow view. It is a harmful delusion that can seriously impair our ability to relate in healthy way to others.
17th Karmapa
from the book
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Further quotes from the book Interconnected :
- Our closest and most reliable allies
- Interdependence at work
- His Loneliness
- Touching the core of our equality
- Collective actions and attitudes
- The deeper common ground all living being share
- Delight in positive thoughts
- Gradual change
- Interdependent individuals
- Our intimate dependence on the natural environment
- A main condition for our selfishness
- Opening up to the view of interconnectedness
- Outer and inner world
- Self-reliance
- Everything and everyone is benefiting you
- The best way to love oneself
- Limitless aspirations
- We hold nothing back
- Keeping the door to improvement open