Translations
interdependent connection
interdependence
interbeing
Meaning
Tendrel (རྟེན་འབྲེལ་) means ‘dependent and connected’. It refers to Buddha’s theory of interdependence or dependent origination or law of causation. The Buddha explained that our life and existence are results of causes and conditions.
There are three features to this natural law: 1. Things do not come out of nothing. Otherwise, everything will occur everywhere or not occur at all. 2. Things do not come out of an eternal cause. Otherwise, things will occur for eternity. Causes are impermanent and so are results. They are not static and absolute, and can be changed. 3. Causes and results are connected. Results correspond to the causes: good results come from good causes, bad results from bad causes, hot chilies from chili seeds, and cold cucumber from cucumber seeds. If results do not correspond to causes, one would reap rice after planting potatoes, and a lazy person would have a lot of work done.1
As one starts a project, it is pertinent to remember the meaning of tendrel, cultivate the best of intentions and set the right circumstances so that the project begins well and also ends well. The mantra of tendrel is recited to help generate this effect:
ye dharmā hetu prabhavā hetun,
teṣāṃ tathāgato hyavadat,
teṣāṃ ca yo nirodha,
evaṃ vādī mahāśramaṇa.
= rten cing ‘brel ba[r ‘byung ba]. “Emerging through containment-connection.” Usually tr. as interdependent origination, etc. “Arising through a situation of connectedness and dependence.” Each ‘thing’ so produced is connected with the ‘others’ to the point of containing them. Therefore, concepts of linear causation do not apply. Each is a necessary (but atemporal) result (pratItya) of all the others as a totality… not one following from the other. The totality is, though, void. ‘Supporting links’ in Germano in JIABS 17 no. 2 (1994) 259. Gyatso, Apparitions 179. Colloquial usages approach the meaning of ‘coincidence,’ ‘circumstances,’ also, ‘omen,’ a ‘connection’ with a particular teaching or teacher. It may also be used in the sense of ‘provisions’ (see under gal te).2
Buddhists believe everything appears in the mind just like an
image appears in a mirror. ==Everything arises through inter-
dependent origination similar to a reflection in a mirror. For a
reflection to occur we need a visual image and also a mirror that
reflects this image. It is the interdependence between the image
and the mirror that allows us to see the image in the mirror.
This example illustrates interdependence on the ultimate level.==
—Distinguishing Consciousness from Wisdom