By Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar | Posted: September 04, 2019

This universe is interdependent. We must realize that on Earth we’re also interdependent.

In the past, we thought that independence meant prosperity, power, free will and all that. But today, we’ve crossed a line. From bondage, we need liberation, we need to be free and independent. But independence is very relative. If you look at it with keen awareness, you’ll find the real truth is interdependence. Honor interdependence. Then you find such freedom. 

Otherwise, in the name of independence we try to close down our awareness. One step beyond independence is acknowledging interdependence.

Interdependence in water, air and terrorism

India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are all independent. But they can’t behave irresponsibly because they’re all interdependent. The Sutlej river flows from India to Pakistan. Ganga flows from India to Bangladesh. Brahmaputra flows from China to Assam to Bangladesh. So we need to realize that in respect to our water, we’re all interdependent.

In air, we’re interdependent. If there’s a swine flu in China soon it will affect the rest of the continent of Asia. We have to be careful. The air is all one. Energy sources are one and ultimately people are one. In different geographical conditions, our eyes are different, noses are different, our heights are different, skin color may be different, environment may be different. But we are one. On one level we are all interdependent; the entire globe is dependent on each other.

Terrorism in one part of the world doesn’t remain there. It affects every other part of the world. Nobody will be safe if even a few people are following violence or believing in the philosophy of violence, whether it’s in Russia, China, Middle East, India, anywhere. People must realize and acknowledge our interdependence and be responsible. Don’t you think so?