The busy fairies working together to make apple cider complements the Buddhist principle of interconnection; Thich Nhat Hanh explains:
In the sutras, this image is given: "Three cut reeds can stand only by leaning on one another. If you take one away, the other two will fall." For a table to exist, we need wood, a carpenter, time, skillfulness, and many other causes. And each of these causes needs other causes to be.As much as we'd like to believe we are independent, we depend on many things and people to get along in this world. Our well-being and existence require collaboration and cooperation. The rune Tyr is based on the one-handed Norse god of the same name who sacrificed his hand for the good of others. He is considered a symbol of self-sacrifice, justice, and right action. Interdependence also necessitates these qualities if we are to live peacefully and productively.
I am torn between the good of whole or the good of me. If we don't take care of ourselves first then what good are we to the whole. I wonder how much more Tyr could have accomplished for humanity with both hands?
ReplyDeleteIf it weren't for his sacrifice, there would have been no humanity. :) Right action would include nonharm to self, unless without it there would be great harm to others. Timely, since it is Veteran's Day today!
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