“Heaven and earth and I are of the same root, the ten-thousand things and I are of one substance.”
Ah, so many things have been happening. We all get busy now and then. The ten-thousand things refer to the universe and everything in it, for those who are not familiar. This quote is saying that he is one with the universe, and that he is of the same root as heaven and earth, and everything.
This is another truth or realization that comes with enlightenment. We are all the same, good and bad are the same, what happens to someone else happens to us. What we do to others we do to ourselves. All actions are related and affect each other. This may seem like metaphysical hippie-voodoo to a lot of people but think about large-scale situations for a moment.
A devastating earthquake, tsunami or other natural disaster kills many people. It destroys nature, animals, birds and vegetation as well, it is not biased. We may be among the dead or injured, we may know the dead or injured, or we may know someone that does. Even if we don’t, we may have just traveled there or were going to. We may donate money individual or as a country, to provide aid for the devastated country. Whether we like it or not, we are all affected by this disaster.
For man-made disasters, there are many accompanying emotions, usually fear, anger, and revenge. These may seem just or noble emotions, but consider that the attacker had the same justifications for their actions. We are all affected by each others actions.
Have you ever heard that a smile is contagious? Try it today, smile at people you know, and at strangers. Do not stare, do not give them a creepy stalker smile, just a nice, brief, pleasant, natural smile, and even if they don’t smile back, they will remember. They will likely be in a better mood, smile at others, and it will affect a great many people.
Because of your quick smile, there may be dozens or even hundreds of people that have a much better day today. Don’t ever think you don’t matter, that your actions don’t matter, or that the actions of everyone don’t affect everyone else. We are all of the same root, and are one and the same with the universe.