« The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another. »
I come across this quote from Thomas Merton, and it seems so very appropriate for so many things these days, within me and without me, « here » and « there. »
In fact, I can’t think what it might not be appropriate for.
I might only question the word « idea, » for compassion is not an idea, nor is interdependence. Neither can be thought, they can only be experienced.
And, marvel of marvels, neither can be experienced alone! « I » can only experience compassion and interdependence with « you. »
Marvel of marvels, all together (now)
About the Author: zenscribe
Enseignante Zen et poète, Sensei Amy “Tu es cela” Hollowell est née et a grandi à Minneapolis, aux Etats-Unis. Arrivée en France en 1981 pour étudier la littérature et l’histoire, elle y est restée, s’installant à Paris, où elle élève ses deux enfants et gagne sa vie en tant que journaliste.
The Zen teacher and poet Amy “Tu es cela” Hollowell Sensei was born and raised in Minneapolis, but came to France in 1981 to study literature and history and has lived in Paris ever since, raising her two children and making a living as a journalist.
Amazing, ordinary grace all around, indeed. We just need to look.
Thank you for the reminder. This evoques in me a Summer ‘street-koan’, an invitation to go beyond interdependence, to even go beyond seeing others as ‘like me’: to see others as myself! Who is that one I cross on the street? That’s me. Whose is that family walking down the street? That is my family. Marvels and grace all around