Theme 2 – Dependent arising / impermanence

Everything exists because of causes and conditions. Nothing arises independently. Our whole experience of life is the confluence of numerous causes and conditions (inside us and outside of us) at any given moment.  Because these conditions are always changing, moving, flowing, nothing is solid, reliable or permanent. The more we can see the forces at play, the less we are controlled by them. The more we see life as it is (unreliable, unstable, impermanent) the less we are shocked and disappointed by it, the more peace we have with it and the more we appreciate it. Gotama said if we see dependent arising, we see the dharma.

VIDEOS

See The Power of Vulnerability in Theme 1: embracing dukkha.
One of the conditions that leads to the ability to connect with others is the willingness to be with our own vulnerability. If we have developed a belief that we are not worthy of connectedness we find it difficult to be with our vulnerability which makes it less likely that we can connect – a vicious cycle. This ‘mental construct’ of unworthiness is a condition that causes much pain. However the willingness to be with it and look at it can lead to great peace.

MOVIES

Title: Groundhog Day

Author/artist: Director, Harold Ramis

Relevance: Bill Murray’s character lives the same day over and over again with the only variation being his state of mind which, being different each time leads to different choices each time Groundhog Day is encountered. Funnily enough, from different choices arise different consequences.

Non-relevance: Can’t remember as it’s too long since I’ve seen it – any comments are welcome.

Links: watch on Google Play or Wikipedia entry