Interdependence
As a Buddhist, I’ve always been taught that life is fleeting. We never know when our time on earth will come to an end, so we must make the most of each day. This philosophy is called impermanence –– knowing that nothing in life will last, so we mustn’t grow attached to unnecessary possessions, thoughts, or actions.
Because of this, I developed a go-go-go mentality. I’d often find myself trying to solve problems on my own and accomplish my daily tasks without making a fuss. I thought that independence was the only way I could make the most of my present moment. This mentality led me to internalize my own suffering and not know how or when to ask for help. In my mind, asking for help meant I was a failure at seizing an opportunity.
As I’ve progressed through college and navigated new challenges of early adulthood, I have come to realize the value of asking for help. There are times in life where we can’t do things on our own, and that’s okay.
If we all went through life entirely on our own, none of us would succeed.
This past Sunday, I decided to watch my childhood temple’s live-streamed service for fun. Though the reverend from my childhood wasn’t there, it still brought me overwhelming nostalgia and good energy. With the opening recital of Golden Chain, I immediately began reflecting on my former mentality of independence, and how damaging it was to my mental health.
I am a link in Amida’s Golden Chain of Love that stretches around the world. I will keep my link bright and strong.
This first line reminds me that I must prioritize my mental health, as it keeps my link bright and strong. As important as it is to value the impermanence of life, it is equally as important to prioritize my well-being because it is what allows me to be me.
I will be kind and gentle to every living thing and protect all who are weaker than myself.
On earth, we are not the only beings. We must do what we can to preserve the life of others as much as we do for ourselves.
I will think pure and beautiful thoughts, say pure and beautiful words, and do pure and beautiful deeds.
My duty as a link in Amida’s Golden Chain is to be the best version of myself for others. To do this, I must eliminate my go-go-go mentality and focus on pure thoughts. My pure thoughts will then guide my words and deeds in everything I do.
May every link in Amida’s Golden Chain of Love be bright and strong and may we all attain perfect peace.
When we all do what we can to be the best version of ourselves for others, the world may be at peace. Every person has the potential to positively contribute to the world and make it a better place.
The Golden Chain teaches us that each of us is valuable to the soul of earth. We must prioritize our own well-being so that we not only make a positive impact on those around us, but also on the world.
Though we may feel like we are alone in our life paths, we aren’t. Our interconnectedness is rooted in the fact that we are all on our separate life paths together.
When we realize this, we can eliminate this go-go-go mentality and open our eyes to the value of others in our lives. This Buddhist philosophy is called interdependence –– everyone and everything on earth is connected. And not only are we influenced by others, we rely on others to survive.
Now that our lives revolve around the virtual world, we have had to make intentional efforts to stay connected with one another. But in reflecting on the words of the Golden Chain, we understand that even though the social distance makes it difficult to stay connected, our interdependence keeps us grounded with others.
Therefore, if we take a walk outside and breathe in the air, we can feel connected to everyone, no matter how far away they may be.
So when we are facing hardship, struggling to accomplish tasks, or lacking motivation, we can remember to turn toward those around us for help. And even if they aren’t physically close to us, hopefully they are a phone call away if we need them.
In order for us to keep our link bright and strong, we must make an effort to maintain connection with those we care about in whatever ways we can.