The quote “Realizing the doctrine of dependent-arising, the wise do not at all partake of extreme views” by Gautama Buddha refers to a central teaching in Buddhism known as “pratītyasamutpāda”, often translated as “dependent origination” or “dependent arising”. This concept asserts that all phenomena arise in dependence upon other phenomena. In other words, everything is interconnected and nothing exists independently.
When Buddha says, “the wise do not at all partake of extreme views,” he means that those who truly understand this interdependence will avoid taking absolute stances. They recognize that our perceptions are influenced by a myriad of factors and conditions, so it is unwise to be dogmatic or rigid in one’s beliefs.
In today’s world, this could be applied on both a macro level (society) and micro level (individual). On a societal scale, it reminds us that our actions have far-reaching effects on others and the environment. For example, climate change is largely driven by human activities; we are not isolated from nature but rather deeply interconnected with it.
On an individual level for personal development, understanding dependent origination can foster empathy and flexibility. By realizing our thoughts and feelings are influenced by countless external factors – upbringing, culture etc., we can become more understanding towards ourselves and others when mistakes happen or opinions differ.
Moreover, this principle encourages mindfulness — being aware of how our actions affect ourselves and others — which can lead to healthier decisions about lifestyle habits like diet or exercise. It also promotes emotional intelligence since comprehending the impermanence of feelings helps manage negative emotions better.
Finally yet importantly for personal growth: embracing non-extremism aids in developing balanced perspectives which aids decision making process more efficient while reducing unnecessary stress caused due to rigid thinking patterns.
