Far away in the heavenly abode of the great god Indra…
““Far away in the heavenly abode of the great god Indra, there is a wonderful net that has been hung by some cunning artificer in such a manner that it stretches out infinitely in all directions. In accordance with the extravagant tastes of deities, the artificer has hung a single glittering jewel in each “eye” of the net, and since the net itself is infinite in all dimensions, the jewels are infinite in number. There hang the jewels, glittering like stars of the first magnitude, a wonderful sight to behold. If we now arbitrarily select one of these jewels for inspection and look closely at it, we will discover that in its polished surface there are reflected all the other jewels in the net, infinite in number. Not only that, but each of the jewels reflected in this one jewel is also reflecting all the other jewels, so that there is an infinite reflecting process occurring…. [I]t symbolizes a cosmos in which there is an infinitely repeated interrelationship among all the members of the cosmos. This relationship is said to be one of simultaneous mutual identity and mutual inter-causality. (Francis Cook)56””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The metaphor of an infinite net with countless reflecting jewels illustrates a cosmos where every element mirrors and influences every other, embodying mutual identity and interdependence.
In simple terms: All things are interconnected and reflect each other.
Key Takeaway
Recognize interdependence.
Themes
philosophy
interconnectedness
spirituality
Mood
thoughtful
intrigued
serene
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- meditation
- environmental policy
- team collaboration
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
nondualism
causality
holism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing interdependence change your actions?
- Can you see yourself as part of a larger whole?
A Different Perspective
Infinite reflection can be overwhelming, leading to analysis paralysis.