Buddhism in Daily Life
Buddhism teaches that all life is interrelated. Through the concept of "dependent
origination," it holds that nothing exixts in isolation, independent of
other life. The Japanese term for dependent origination is engi, literally "arising
in relation." In other words, all beings and phenomena exist or occur only
because of their relationship with other beings or phenomena. Everything in
the world comes into existence in response to causes and conditions. Nothing
can exist in absolute independence of other things or rise of its own accord.
Shakyamuni used the image of two bundles of reeds leaning against each other
to explain dependent origination. He described how the two bundles of reeds
can remain standing as long as they lean against each other. In the same way,
because this exists, that exists, and because that exists, this exists. If one
of the two bundle is removed, then the other will fall. Similarly, without this
existence, that cannot exist, and without that existence, this cannot exist.
More specifically, Buddhism teaches that our lives are constantly developing
in a dynamic way, in a synergy of the internal causes within our own life (our
personality, experience, outlook on life and so on) and the external conditions
and relations around us. Each individual existence contributes to creating the
environment which sustains all other existences. All things, mutually supportive
and related, form a living cosmos, a single living whole.
When we realize the extent of the myriad interconnections which link us to all
other life, we realize that our existence only becomes meaningful through interaction
with, and in relation to, others. By engaging ourselves with others,our identity
is developed, established and enhanced. We then understand that it is impossible
to build or own happiness on the unhappiness of others. We also see that our
constructiven actions affect the world around us. And, as Nichiren wrote, "If
you light a lamp for another, your own way will be lit."
There is an intimate mutual interconnection in the web of nature, in the relationship
between humankind and its environment -- and also between the individual and
society, parents and children, husband and wife.
If as individuals we can embrace the view that "because of that, this exists,"
or, in other words "because of that person, I can develop," then we
need never experience pointless conflicts in human relations. In the case of
a young married woman, for instance, her present experience is in relation to
her husband and mother-in-law, regardless of what sort of people they may be.
Someone who realizes this can turn everything, both good and bad, into an impetus
for personal growth.
Buddhism teaches that we "choose" the family and circumstances into
which we are born in order to learn and grow and to be able to fulfill our unique
role and respective mission in life.
On a deeper level, we are connected and related not just to those physically
close to us, but to every living being. If we can realize this, feelings of
loneliness and isolation, which cause so much suffering, begin to vanish, as
we realize that we are part of a dynamic, mutually interconnected whole.
As Daisaku Ikeda has written, an understanding of the interconnections of all
life can lead to a more peaceful world:
"We're all human beings who, through some mystic bond, were born to share
the same limited life span on this planet, a small green oasis in the vast universe.
Why do we quarrel and victimize one another? If we could all keep the image
of the vast heavens in mind, I believe that it would go a ong way toward resolving
conflicts and disputes. If our eyes are fixed on eternity, we come to realize
that the conflicts of our little egos are really sad and unimportant.