AI Generated image
While fireworks crackle across the summer sky and families gather to celebrate independence across the United States, there’s an ancient story from the Buddha’s past lives that offers a gentle nudge toward a deeper kind of freedom — one rooted not in separation, but in connection. Here in Europe, we may not be celebrating the 4th of July ourselves, but it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the universal values of compassion and interdependence. This year, let’s borrow a page from the Jataka tales and reimagine this American holiday as Interdependence Day — a celebration of the beautiful web of life we’re all part of.
The Selfless Monkey King
Once, in a distant forest, the Bodhisattva was born as a wise and noble monkey king. He ruled over thousands of monkeys who lived in peace near a river where a delicious mango tree grew. These mangoes were so sweet that the monkey king always made sure none of them fell into the river — for he knew that if humans discovered the fruit, danger would follow.
Do you like what you are reading? Sign up below for more blog posts
But one day, a ripe mango did fall, floating downstream until it reached the king of a nearby kingdom. Tasting its rare sweetness, the human king sent his men upriver to find more. When they stumbled upon the tree, they prepared to kill all the monkeys to claim it.
Seeing the danger, the monkey king acted swiftly. He climbed to the highest tree, spotted a cliff across the river, and with his strong body, formed a living bridge from one tree to another, allowing his monkey subjects to cross to safety. In the end, exhausted and injured, he was found by the human king, who was so moved by the monkey king’s compassion that he ordered his own people to care for him with the utmost respect.
This tale reminds us that leadership, true freedom, and even survival are not about dominating others — they arise through sacrifice, cooperation, and love.
What the Monkey King Knew: We Are Not Alone
The Jataka tales are full of kings, animals, and ordinary people who wake up to a great truth: no being exists alone. The monkey king didn’t just save his people out of duty. He understood that his life was tied to theirs — that in saving them, he too was upheld.
Do you like what you are reading? Sign up below for more blog posts
This echoes the Buddhist concept of pratītyasamutpāda, or dependent origination — the idea that everything arises in dependence upon multiple causes and conditions. Your breath, your lunch, your laughter today — none of it exists independently. We are co-created by everything: the trees, the sun, the kindness of strangers, and even the insects we try not to step on.
Interdependence Day: A Lighthearted Reframe
So, what if we all take a moment to mark 4th. of July as Interdependence Day? You’d still get to eat pie and light sparklers — but with a slightly softer heart.
Do you like what you are reading? Sign up below for more blog posts
You might thank the earthworms for your garden salad, the people who fixed the roads so you could get to the party, or the trees for the shade at your picnic. You might notice that the joy you feel is amplified not when you’re standing alone, but when you’re laughing with someone else, or quietly sharing a watermelon slice.
Freedom doesn’t mean cutting ties — it means seeing clearly that our well-being is woven into everyone else’s. That we rise, like the monkeys crossing that living bridge, together.
Lighting the Fireworks of Compassion
This July 4th, as friends in the U.S. celebrate national freedom, may we all — wherever we are — celebrate not just the independence of nations, but the interdependence of all beings. May we become like the monkey king — courageous and wise, willing to extend ourselves for others because we recognize we were never separate to begin with.
Do you like what you are reading? Sign up below for more blog posts
Go ahead and light your fireworks — just maybe say thank you to the stars while you’re at it. They’re part of your story too.
Lots of love,
Lama Chimey
Get Dharma Blog Posts straight to your device
Lama Chimey 