Interbeing is the understanding that nothing exists separately from anything else. We are all interconnected. By taking care of another person, you take care of yourself. By taking care of yourself, you take care of the other person. The understanding of interbeing is very important. It helps us to remove the illusion of loneliness, and transform the anger that comes from the feeling of separation.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
The above quote states the Buddhist principle well. Everything in this world we are living in is interconnected. In that, when someone does a thing that is harmful to the environment, it will create a ripple effect in the environment. Some Asians also called interbeing as Indra’s Net.
When I was new to hiking, I only think people, and mountains are separate from each other. But as I am getting more experienced in hiking, people and the mountains, as well as its flora and fauna, are connected to each other. In reality, however, a plant is composed of: the soil, the air, the water, the sun, the detritus, among others. So too are the animals, and people. A plant is not merely a plant. It is called a plant because of our naming convention.
Nowadays, people are so disconnected to nature that they throw trash on the trail, mining the mountain, or poaching, without realizing that there will be effects on the environment. As I write this entry, some of the place in Metro Manila, and Wawa Dam are already flooded. If people realize that they are part of the environment, and give up their insatiable, unending chase for wealth, the drastic floods, landslides, mudslides would not happen.
Realizing this principle will make your hiking experience much more fulfilling.
Manananggol na Namumundok 