Eight Steps to Freedom

ng no real relationship to the reality of the phenomenon itself. This is always a matter of mutual interaction or better put, interpenetration.

The Buddhist term "mutual interpenetration", recognizes the absolute coincidence of being that is an environment. Every aspect of the garden is effecting and being effected by all other aspects simultaneously. The evidence of this reality is recognized in many disciplines from ecology to particle physics. The essential point for a Buddhist is that his own being is also sharing in this interpenetration. There is no abiding reality of self outside of this interpenetration; no permanent soul, mind, or spirit that is not one with this eternal interchange.

The process is being, there is nothing else. Ideas about self are irrelevant to the truth. They are mere clouds over the garden, coming into being and dissipating. All the while the constant stream of interaction goes on. As clouds blow where the wind takes them, so the dharma student allows ideas of self-