# Interbeing

Interbeing is a philosophical concept and contemplation practice rooted in the Zen Buddhist tradition, notably proposed by Thich Nhat Hanh. It underscores the inter-connectedness and interdependence of all elements of existence. It informs ethical living, mindfulness, and compassionate actions. It is practiced by the Plum Village Buddhist tradition and the Order of Interbeing, a lay community dedicated to its practice.

## Etymology

The term "interbeing" was coined by Thich Nhat Hanh. It is a portmanteau of the prefix "inter-" and the word "being." It conveys the notion that all things exist in a state of interconnected being, a state of being interwoven and mutually dependent.
The English term is predated by its use in French and Vietnamese. Interbeing is a direct translation of the French word "Interêtre". It is structurally identical as a combination of the two: "Inter" and "être". Prior to its use in the French language, interbeing is referred to in Vietnamese as Tiếp Hiện. In Vietnamese, Tiếp means "being in touch with" and "continuing." Hiện means "realizing" and "making it here and now."
Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, created this practice to help people develop the insight of the interconnected nature of reality and the human experience, which could then lead to a "collective awakening".

## Definition

Within the Plum Village Tradition, interbeing is based on Mahayana teaching and is an understanding that there is a deep interconnection between all people, all species, and all things based on non-duality, emptiness, and dependent co-arising (all phenomena arise in dependence upon other phenomena). As such, there is no independent separate self. As such, everything is empty of self-being and everything is full of everything. In short, everything depends for its existence on everything else. The concept of interbeing highlights how all psychological and physical phenomena are intertwined, interconnected, interdependent, and mutually influenced in reality and the world. This relationship is vividly illustrated in the Avatamsaka Sutra, which teaches that "everything contains everything else" and "everything penetrates everything else."
For example, a flower is composed entirely of elements that are not flowers, like chlorophyll, sunlight, and water. If all these non-flower elements were removed, there would be no flower left. A flower cannot exist independently but it can only exist in relationship with everything else.
In this view a person is composed of many elements beyond just themselves, such as their parents, ancestors from humans, plants, and animals, as well as water, sunlight, food, education, and life experiences. A person's body is constantly changing, and thoughts and emotions are always shifting. It is only the belief in a separate self that confines us, falsely separating the "I" vs others. As such, if one can see the nature of interbeing between oneself and others, one can see that others' suffering is one's own suffering, and others' happiness is one's own happiness.
Plum Village does not try to prove the truth of interbeing, but instead emphasizes the importance of recognizing its truth through meditation (generating mindfulness, insight, and concentration). Understanding interbeing is essential for overcoming suffering and reaching enlightenment, which is the ultimate goal in Buddhism. This insight into interbeing helps in particular by revealing that nothing is ever truly created or destroyed, which removes the fear of death or loss.

## Source

The idea of interbeing is related to classic Mahayana Buddhist teachings such as emptiness and dependent arising. It has predecessors in other East Asian Buddhist concepts, particularly the Huayan teachings of perfect interfusion (yuanrong, 圓融) or unobstructed interpenetration. This teaching holds that all phenomena in the universe are interconnected with each other in a web of mutual dependency. It is famously illustrated through the metaphor of Indra's net.
In his book Understanding our Mind, Thich Nhat Hanh cites the Avatamsaka Sutra and the teachings of Huayan master Fazang as the sources for the teaching of interpenetration.

## Locations of practice

Interbeing is a part of one branch of modern Buddhist philosophy. It is primarily practiced by the Order of Interbeing and the Plum Village Tradition.

### Order of Interbeing

The Order of Interbeing is a community that promotes the principles of interbeing. Comprising monastic and lay practitioners, this community adheres to the philosophy and practice of interconnectedness, emphasizing mindfulness, compassion, and ethical living. Members follow the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings as ethical guidelines, engage in communal practices, and apply interbeing principles in their daily lives.

### Plum Village Monastery

Plum Village, founded in 1982 in France by Thich Nhat Hanh, serves as a central location for the practice and learning of Interbeing. The community, comprising both monastics and laypeople, engages deeply with the principles of interconnectedness and mindfulness that are fundamental to the concept of Interbeing. Here, individuals immerse themselves in practices that underscore the interdependent nature of existence, fostering a life that reflects awareness, compassion, and ethical living. The tradition of Plum Village extends globally through various centers, each committed to promoting the understanding and practice of Interbeing.

## Relation to Zen Buddhism

Interbeing is closely associated with the Zen or Chan school of Buddhism. It reflects Zen's emphasis on direct experience, meditation, and mindfulness.

### Role in practice

Interbeing enriches the practice of Zen Buddhism by emphasizing interconnectedness, compassion, mindfulness, and ethical living. It encourages practitioners to extend their awareness beyond the self, fostering a greater sense of responsibility and engagement with the world and all living beings. This holistic perspective aligns with the core teachings of Zen and helps practitioners embody its principles in a contemporary context.

### Mindfulness and presence

Zen Buddhism places a strong emphasis on mindfulness and being fully present in each moment. Interbeing highlights the idea that awareness should extend beyond the individual to encompass the interconnected web of existence. Practitioners are encouraged to be mindful not only of their own thoughts and actions but also of how they affect and are affected by the world around them.

### Compassion and ethical living

Interbeing fosters compassion and ethical living in Zen practice. Its philosophy states that a practitioner's well-being is intimately tied to the well-being of others and the environment. This understanding encourages practitioners to act compassionately, reducing suffering not only for themselves but also for all sentient beings. It reinforces the importance of ethical conduct and the avoidance of harm to others.

### Embracing impermanence

Zen Buddhism teaches impermanence as a fundamental aspect of existence. Interbeing deepens this understanding by illustrating how everything is in a constant state of flux and interconnected with other phenomena. This recognition encourages practitioners to let go of attachments and to accept the impermanence of all things more fully.

### Engagement with the world

While traditional Zen practice often involves meditation and solitary retreats, interbeing, an integral part of Engaged Buddhism, encourages practitioners to engage actively with the world. It calls for the application of mindfulness and compassion in everyday life, whether at home, work, or in social interactions. This approach bridges the gap between formal meditation and daily activities.

### Environmental awareness

Interbeing has a heightened environmental awareness component. It emphasizes that our actions have a direct impact on the natural world and that we are interconnected with all living beings. In response to this awareness, Zen practitioners who embrace interbeing often engage in environmental advocacy and sustainable living as a natural manifestation of their practice.

## Influence on environmentalism

The concept of interbeing has influenced a range of authors, environmentalists, and thinkers who have integrated its principles into their work and environmental philosophy. Here are a few notable figures who have been influenced by the concept of interbeing:
Joanna Macy, an environmental activist, and author, has drawn on Buddhist and ecological insights in her work. She emphasizes interconnectedness and the need for a "Great Turning," a shift in consciousness towards sustainability and ecological responsibility.
Bill McKibben, a prominent environmentalist and author, has highlighted the interconnected nature of climate change and the global community in his writings. His advocacy for climate action and community involvement resonates with the principles of interbeing.
David Abram, an ecophilosopher and author of "The Spell of the Sensuous," explores the relationship between humans and the natural world. His work encourages a deeper awareness of the interdependence between humans and the Earth's ecosystems.
Sandra Lubarsky is an environmental educator who has integrated mindfulness practices into her work. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in fostering a sense of interconnection with the environment.
John Seed, an environmental activist and Deep Ecology advocate, has emphasized the interconnectedness of all life and the need for a profound shift in human consciousness to address environmental issues.
Fritjof Capra, a physicist and author of "The Web of Life," explores the connections between science, spirituality, and ecology. His work emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living systems, aligning with the principles of interbeing.
Vandana Shiva, an environmental activist and scholar, has integrated the principles of interconnectedness into her advocacy for sustainable agriculture and social justice. She emphasizes the interdependence of ecosystems, food systems, and human communities.