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Interdependent origination: an idea that nothing exists independently. Everything arises through causes, conditions, relationships with other things. The Dalai Lama applies this to people. Our identity, opportunities, and wellbeing are shaped by countless influences around us rather than by a completely separate, fixed self. Understanding this can reduce selfishness whilst encouraging compassion and sense of peace.

Someone has to say it: Tibetan Buddhist ideas are fascinating, but they can feel like mental gymnastics at full stretch. I often find myself stuck on these pages, trying to simplify His Holiness’ explanation of events and perception to the point my brain is fried.

I felt like some spiritual enrichment for a change so I went back to book I never finished reading during the pandemic. Indeed, a lot of the suffering we experience as humans is of our own creation and it is healthy to continuously meet new people as a way to remind ourselves of our basic sameness as human beings.