Interdependence

Angélica Paljor wrote this interview with Sandra Cisneros published in August, 2022 on Lion’s Roar entitled, “The Sacred Work of Sandra Cisneros.” The author speaks candidly about her own struggles, and how writing has been a practice that has helped transform them. An essential ingredient in Buddhist education is seeing how others integrate their view and practice into their work, art, and lives. Cisneros' example is vital as students work on developing their own voice, and considering how their view and self-expression are inextricable.

In January 2021, The Mind & Life Institute hosted a special free livestream event with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and leading scientists to explore steps for addressing this urgent set of challenges.

Download a set of coloring pages inspired by Ignasi Font’s illustrations from Everything Is Connected.

How am I connected to everything? Download a set of worksheets filled with activities, reflections, and practices to help children answer this important question.

Use bubbles as a springboard for children to investigate the experience of viewing conditioned phenomena as both interdependent and impermanent using bubbles.

This sweet book for ages 4-8 takes us on a whimsical tour through all the connections between every single thing in the universe—from people to blobfish to chairs and atoms. 

Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche, talks with Bodhi Kids founder Maya van der Meer about how to explain the mind to an 8-year-old child.

This short animated video helps explain the importance of inquisitiveness and the interconnectedness of humans and the environment.

Yarn Toss is a common ice-breaker game and can also be used to give students an experiential understanding of interdependence as exemplified in the story of Indra's Net from the Avatamsaka Sutra.

Just like lotuses grow in mud, our mind’s emotions can give rise to wisdom. Fold origami and learn about the wisdom aspects of the five emotions.