Interconnected and individual perspectives in Avatamsaka

Among the various Buddhist traditions, Avatamsaka philosophy, originating in seventh-century China, is a key element of Mahayana Buddhism emphasising connectedness. ^{Reference Cleary6,Reference Gallagher, Raffone, Berkovich-Ohana, Barendregt, Bauer and Brown7} While many Buddhist practices focus on individual liberation from suffering (e.g. mindfulness in Theravada), ^{Reference Singh8,Reference Noda, Isobe, Mishima, Tose, Kawabata and Aso9} Avatamsaka uniquely describes selfhood and otherness as unified parts of a whole, in which each phenomenon reflects the other. Influencing schools such as Zen and Yogacara, it illuminates mutual relationships and the dynamic interplay of harmony and discord. ^{Reference Cleary6,Reference Gallagher, Raffone, Berkovich-Ohana, Barendregt, Bauer and Brown7}

This philosophy posits that our interconnected and individual natures, although seemingly contrasting, complement each other and support adaptive responses to social experiences. Its principle of dependent arising (pratītyasamutpāda) imbues life with multiple meanings, created through continuous encounters, while acknowledging the impermanence and selflessness (anattā) of all temporary connections. These perspectives are particularly useful when navigating the complex and distributed nature of online interactions, where actions ripple through networks.

According to the Middle Path in Buddhist thought, identity may be understood as neither purely fixed nor entirely fluid, but semi-solid, emerging through reciprocal influence and responsive to disruption and continuity. ^{Reference Cleary6,Reference Gallagher, Raffone, Berkovich-Ohana, Barendregt, Bauer and Brown7} In psychiatric contexts, identity often appears rigid and enduring while in other settings, such as online environments, it may soften or shift in response to changing roles and relational inputs. This non-dual stance avoids extremes of rigidity or formlessness, suggesting that no state of being is inherently superior. It offers a clinical view of selfhood that is sufficiently stable to persist yet flexible enough to adapt, mirroring the evolving web of relational processes that shape and sustain experience. ^{Reference Tei, Fujino and Murai10–Reference Amaro and Bobrow13}

The Avatamsaka Sutra, a core Mahayana scripture, distils these principles into a vision of reality as an interpenetrating whole without fixed boundaries. Its portrayal of existence as a dynamic web supports a flexible view of identity, encouraging openness, awareness and responsiveness in both clinicians and clients. This worldview contrasts with the isolating effects of echo chambers and algorithmic filter bubbles, which fragment communication and reinforce division. The Sutra features intuitive, reciprocal understanding rooted in reflective wisdom rather than dogma or surface-level common sense. The following section investigates how these theories relate to practical challenges in digital communication.

Sutra’s network theory and digital communication

The Sutra provides a framework for enhanced understanding of the structure and impact of digital communication. Complementing internet network theory, this Buddhist perspective offers insights into online misalignments, intergroup conflicts and distress, highlighting how virtual connections can both facilitate and distort communication. ^{Reference Orben, Meier, Dalgleish and Blakemore1–Reference Kasturiratna, Hartanto, Chen, Tong and Majeed3,Reference Haythornthwaite14}

Paralleling this view of network formation and reciprocal impact, internet network theory examines how social tie strength and group dynamics shape complex online interactions and information flow. These dynamics create environments where relationships shift between localised and global interactions, ranging from tightly knit communities to expansive, loosely connected systems. ^{Reference Haythornthwaite14} Stronger ties often provide emotional validation, while weaker ties broaden informational horizons but may reduce personal exchanges, hinder active discernment and amplify misinformation. ^{Reference Orben, Meier, Dalgleish and Blakemore1–Reference Kasturiratna, Hartanto, Chen, Tong and Majeed3,Reference Haythornthwaite14}

The Sutra’s perspective on interconnectedness helps clarify how online separation may trigger behaviours not typically expressed in person, often without recognising the pervasive and lasting effects. This viewpoint is also relevant to understanding the psychological influence of risky content sharing and the permanence of digital material. ^{Reference Orben, Meier, Dalgleish and Blakemore1–Reference Kasturiratna, Hartanto, Chen, Tong and Majeed3}

Research suggests that the Sutra’s emphasis on relational connection can enhance well-being, with Buddhist-informed social models linked to lower anxiety, depression and stigma, as well as improved social cognition. ^{Reference Yu, Mak and Floria15–Reference Corrigan and Nieweglowski17} This relational view of online interconnection warrants further exploration to inform digital health interventions and promote more mindful online engagement.

Therapeutic application and conceptual framework

The application of Avatamsaka’s interconnected perspective can enrich psychotherapy, especially in digital mental health (Table 2). The key concepts – (a) networked dynamics, (b) reciprocity and (c) clinicians’ flexibility – can be reinterpreted to address how online communication links, polarises and influences individuals. The philosophy provides a balanced perspective on collective interconnectedness and individual autonomy. This equips practitioners with a fresh approach for navigating complex clinical issues and digital affordances.

Table 2 The Sutra’s therapeutic value in digital relationships

The following vignettes show how these concepts can enhance therapeutic strategies through real-world examples. In each case, Buddhist-informed ideas were not presented as doctrine, but rather used as reflective tools to support emotional regulation, social awareness and adaptive meaning-making. All participants provided written informed consent, and confidentiality was ensured by anonymisation of identifying details.

Shifting attitudes and navigating online engagement

The Sutra’s connected view can aid in shifting attitudes to navigate online discord. Viewing digital engagement as part of a larger relational web that is dynamic and provisional helps shift focus away from emotionally charged content. It can potentially mitigate social anxiety, depression and impulsive or addictive behaviours ^{Reference Fung, Kim, Wong, Moffic, Gogineni and Peteet20} associated with digital media use. This perspective illuminates the transient yet pervasive nature of virtual communication, highlighting mutual accountability alongside information exchange and goal-oriented transactions.

Tackling mental suffering in virtual communication benefits from balancing individual experience with broader responsibility – acknowledging connectedness, social obligation and cosmopolitan inclusivity ^{Reference Thompson11} in support of personal and public well-being. Avatamsaka philosophy presents a vision of shared reflection within a vast network, ^{Reference Cleary6} comparable to the complexity of digital networks. Online platforms often promote the notion that life should appear ordered and purposeful, shaping how people perceive themselves and relate to others.

The Sutra’s networked approach addresses the tendency to prioritise instant information transmission and immediate or self-centred gratification, rather than deliberate, thoughtful interactions. It encourages an adaptive acknowledgment of uncertainty and diversity, which may contribute to a more nuanced and sustainable digital engagement. Such flexibility enhances resilience to unexpected responses and non-linear benefits, fostering long-term social and reciprocal value over short-term rewards.

These perspectives envision individuality as emerging through nested relationships, shaped by ongoing interactions while forming a unified whole. ^{Reference Cleary6} They emphasise our simultaneous interdependence and self-direction, suggesting that being in the world – including virtual spaces – involves creating cohesive experiences and living socially and authentically, rather than anonymously. This view implies that we are not ultimate controllers of existence, but rather caretakers and active participants, echoing Heidegger’s concept of ‘Shepherds of Being’.

Examining communication through the lens of Avatamsaka philosophy and network theory provides a helpful framework for addressing the complexities of digital health. Recognising our interdependent nature while balancing relational depth and diversity can enhance therapeutic approaches. By respecting the sensitivity of connectedness and individuality, practitioners may better navigate online discord and attune to evolving interpersonal patterns. Change and acceptance permeate the digital sphere, oscillating between synchrony and dissonance, akin to the intricate dance of human precariousness. This perspective promotes a shift in mindsets to align with digitally shaped worldviews: many relationships are dynamic and provisional, whereas overlooked connections and incidental encounters may carry unexpected meanings. Moreover, these experiences, seen within a broader narrative, may not be entirely true or false but help us make sense of ourselves. Rather than chasing immediacy or certainty, we can transform digital challenges into opportunities for more intentional, flexible engagement. Bridging ancient insights with modern technology offers a way to cultivate resilience and intercorporeality: shared narratives and embodied experiences that can enrich digital health. Future research should examine additional case material to evaluate the clinical relevance of these perspectives across diverse settings.