We Inter-are —
If we can see that all things inter-are with each other —
Then we will not be fooled by the labels of the mind.
Because all things depend upon all others —
There cannot be or will ever be a separate I.
Without a separate I, then all things are inconceivable —
All things are transient labels of the mind.
All people are wondrous trails of smoke —
An endless chain of great mysteries.
Although we are not exactly the same —
We are also not totally different.
We are more than our passing thoughts —
More than a string of names and labels.
When we realize our deep connections —
We understand our non-separation.
We are an endless river flowing —
Intermixing with everything.
With this understanding, we can see —
All the things that we quarrel about —
They are like ants on an oak tree,
A little pebble swirling in the sea.
Words and descriptions are provisional —
They can never describe our whole being.
It is like this with all thoughts and things —
Intangible and quite magical!
When we touch our inter-being —
We realize our great dependence,
We see that we are not separate,
We go beyond old illusions.
Mist and fog will disperse —
With the rising of the sun.
Calm lakes and green forests,
Dark clouds with bright flowers.
— Luan V Dinh