Interdependent Origination(Tendrel)

 


In Buddhism, interdependence teaches that humans and nature are intricately linked: our well-being depends on forests, rivers, and all living beings. 

Recognizing emptiness, we see there is no inherent self separate from the world. This understanding dissolves false boundaries and challenges suffering born from ignorance. 

The principle of non-harming naturally flows from interdependent origination: if all is connected, to harm another being is to harm ourselves. Mindfulness in our daily interactions—buying, eating, and acting—awakens us to this truth, reducing personal and ecological suffering. Pure intentions aligned with compassion offer healing in today’s crisis.

A powerful example is tree ordination in Thailand: monks ceremonially wrap sacred robes around trees, blessing them as “ordained.” This ritual sanctifies nature, deters logging, and unites communities in protection. It symbolizes seeing Earth as our mother and all beings as siblings. 



Through a Buddhist lens:

  • The 10 virtuous principles (Lha Choe Gyewa Chu) guide ethical living that affirms life.

  • Awareness of interdependence fosters holistic action, as taught in the pillar of GNH on environmental conservation and other curriculums. 



  • Rooted psychological conditions, greed, ignorance, and fear fuel global warming and social crises. Healing inner suffering is essential to heal the world.

In my view,


 

Exploring Buddhism’s ecological wisdom, especially the interdependence and emptiness teachings, opened my awareness. The tree ordination example resonated deeply, showing that ritual, compassion, and mindfulness together can address environmental and social suffering in a simple but profound way.

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