A Taoist Explanation for Cause and Effect



“When two things occur successively - 

  we call them cause and effect, if we believe one event made the other one happen.

  If we think one event is the response to the other, we call it a reaction.
Zaterre Landscapes
 If we feel that the two incidents are not related, we call it a mere coincidence. 

 If we think someone deserved what happened, we call it retribution or reward, 

 depending on whether the event was negative or positive for the recipient.


If we cannot find a reason for the two events' occurring simultaneously or in close proximity, we call it an accident. 

 Therefore, how we explain coincidences depends on how we see the world.


 Is everything connected, so that events create resonances like ripples across a net? 

 Or do things merely co-occur and we give meaning to these co-occurrences based on our belief system? 

 Lieh-tzu's answer: It's all in how you think.” 
― Liezi, Lieh-tzu: A Taoist Guide to Practical Living

Maine







Comments

  1. Terra August 2, 2015 at 7:25 PM

    These photos are beautiful and full of calm. Sometimes I call co-incidences "God-incidences" since He often intervenes in surprising and miraculous ways.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jan JohnsenAugust 3, 2015 at 7:17 AM

      Terra, I agree completely! I like your word - I am straying from garden talk but I figure if I show garden related photos it is okay. :-).

      Delete

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