Interdependence & Impermanence
Much human folly arises by failure to recognize the truth of interconnectedness, or interdependence. The mutually interdependent web of things and events in the universe not only permits order and structure, but operates continuously throughout. Thus, things in the universe are interconnected in vast, intricate, and subtle ways; often more than we perceive on the surface. The Buddhists describe this concept with the analogy of Indra's Net; an infinite multidimensional spider web-like structure with jewels at each intersection. In each of these jewels is reflected all of the other jewels and the rest of the web. This is the nature of interconnectedness in the universe.
We often give labels to things and by doing so divide them in our minds, but this leads to misunderstanding and ignorance. We imagine ourselves isolated, or we imagine that we can control some things without others being affected. But perceptive traditions and philosophies in all parts of the world have observed that Nature is one connected whole1.
Yet, because all things are interdependent, they are subject to change when the factors on which they depend no longer exist. Thus, interdependence has several consequences, such as: impermanence, repeating cycles or patterns, and transformation.
All philosophies, theologies, worldviews, and practices can be categorized in multiple ways. One such way consists of two categories. These categories have to do with how that tradition deals with the very obvious impermanence we see all around us.
In the first category, you have those traditions which try to suggest that there is some form of permanence behind the seeming impermanence. They promise unseen realms of unchanging bliss free of loss (along with requirements for reaching it)2.
In the second category of traditions are those which face the impermanence, help the practitioner to make peace with it, and transform such that they can have a joyful life in harmony with the Reality out of which they were born.
The interdependent causal relationships in Nature result in a world where change is inherent and continuous. While complex systems are noted by their somewhat steady behavior, they are also known as being adaptive and dynamic - and chaos theory tells us that this is only for a finite span of time. All of our perceptions and expectations of permanence and things that will allegedly 'stand the test of time' are a delusion.
Philosopher and Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote to himself a reminder, "One day you will have forgotten all things, and all things will have forgotten you." Heraclitus said, in observing Nature, that "everything flows" (panta rhei). In Taoism, the study of the Tao is essentially the study of the flow of the universe and learning how to flow with it.
Though impermanence is a key aspect to Cosmic Nature, we do see a great deal of recurrence, or a cyclical nature to its activity. The cyclical order of the seasons was perhaps among the earliest recognized manifestations of cycles in nature, and formed the basis of many myths and traditions. Later these became metaphors of rebirth and renewal. Modern science reveals that cycles are a part of many complex systems, both biological and otherwise. By cycle, we mean more generally repeating patterns, which include those that repeat over time and those that repeat in many concurrent instances, or that repeat in form at small and large scales3.
Fractals are forms which are too intricate and irregular to be easily described by traditional geometry, but can be described by certain core formulae on which the entire form unfolds. These shapes often contain duplicate structures nestled within larger similar structures which continue indefinitely up and down the scale in size. Naturalists have a sober view of these recurring patterns, and do not attempt to abuse them as some kind of fantastical escapism from the truth of impermanence. But they can appreciate their beauty and take advantage of the cyclical patterns in nature to draw comparative lessons about life and the world.
Impermanence is an unavoidable fact of life. But, while it means nothing lasts forever, it also means new things are arising all the time. Impermanence is what makes us and everything we love possible. It means that all things will pass, the pleasant, but also the unpleasant. It opens the door to transformation, of which our entire practice is about.