Interbeing

02005-08-20 | Uncategorized | 3 comments

Thich Nhat Hanh began with a story:
One day I was practicing mindful movement in a wood with the people of our community, he said softly. Everyday we practice this, walking slowly, mindfully, to enjoy every step; then we sit down. One day, I suddenly realized that the tree standing in front of me allowed my movement to be possible. I saw very clearly that I was able to breathe in because of its presence in front of me. It was standing there for me, and I was breathing in and out for the tree. I saw this connection very profoundly.
In my tradition we speak of interbeing. We cannot be by ourself alone; we must be with everything else, he continued. So, for example, we inter-are with a tree: if it is not there, we are not there either.
In the Diamond Sutra the Buddha advises us to consider four notions: the notions of self, of humanity, of living beings, and of life span. He also advises that the practice of removing these notions from mind is not difficult; anyone can do it.

(from Shambalasun.com)
can also be found here

I have a couple of books by this man. I love the way he expresses himself. Simply and directly. And, I have to add, if you are guitar player you have a natural reverence for trees, because without them…

3 Comments

  1. Carol

    Oh, so do I. The simple act of eating a tangering is such a lesson. We are always eating the next slice. To be reminded to do everything with mindfulness. I have to rearead often. I get in a hurry. “The Miracle of Mindfulness” was the first I read of his. And I thank you for a reminder to read it and think on it again. Thank you.

    Reply
  2. Curt

    And, I have to add, if you are guitar player you have a natural reverence for trees, because without them…

    Wh? Doh! Don’t even SAY it!!!

    :):):)

    Reply
  3. Eno

    Going home was the first book I read by Thich Nhat Hanh maybe about 3-4 years ago. This was the book that sort of opened my eyes to how Jesus and Buddha are actually one in the same; they just simply go about it in two different ways. One internally and the other externally.

    Lately I’ve been using my guitar as a drum to create a different spacial element so I definitely feel ya!

    Reply

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