Everything is different, yet One.

Take a moment to look at the world around you. From afar, everything may seem the same—trees all appear green, people just dots in the distance—but as we get closer, differences emerge. Yet, these differences only exist on the surface. Deep down, everything is connected, sustained by the same universal energy that flows through all life.

Let’s start with nature. When you look at a forest from afar, all the trees seem identical, a sea of green leaves blending together. But as you approach, you notice the diversity—different species of trees, plants with unique shapes and textures. Go even deeper, though, and despite these differences, every plant relies on the same process, photosynthesis, to survive. Regardless of the tree’s type, size, or shape, it all comes back to the same life-giving energy.

Now, let’s reflect on humanity. When we view a crowd from a distance, everyone looks the same—a collection of heads, arms, and legs. Closer up, individual differences become clearer: faces, skin tones, heights, and mannerisms vary. But if we dig deeper beyond these physical traits, we find something more profound—an inner, immortal energy that animates us all. This energy comes from the same source, the Supreme God, or universal spirit, which binds us together despite our apparent differences.

Carl Jung: The Collective Unconscious

Swiss psychologist Carl Jung introduced the concept of the collective unconscious, which suggests that beneath the surface of individual differences lies a shared reservoir of knowledge and experiences common to all humans. This collective unconscious binds humanity together at a deeper level, much like the way nature operates with the same underlying principles despite surface variations.

“The deeper we go into the psyche, the more we uncover what is universally human.”

This reinforces the idea that while humans may seem different externally, at a subconscious level, we are all united by the same archetypes and collective experiences.

Alan Watts: The Illusion of Separation

British philosopher Alan Watts often spoke about the illusion of separateness, emphasizing that individuals mistakenly perceive themselves as separate from the rest of the universe. In reality, according to Watts, everything is interconnected and part of the same process.

"You are the universe experiencing itself."

Thich Nhat Hanh: Interbeing

The Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh introduced the concept of interbeing, which emphasizes that nothing exists independently—everything is connected. He explains that just as a tree depends on sunlight, air, and water to grow, so too are humans deeply interconnected with each other and the universe.

“You are me, and I am you. Isn’t it obvious that we ‘inter-are’?”

Albert Einstein: Cosmic Religion

Even Albert Einstein, one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century, expressed views that align with the idea of oneness. Einstein referred to a "cosmic religious feeling" that emerges from contemplating the interconnectedness of the universe. He believed that all life forms are part of a greater whole.

"A human being is a part of the whole, called by us 'universe,' a part limited in time and space.”

Lao Tzu: The Tao

Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher and the author of the Tao Te Ching, spoke of the Tao, or "The Way," as the fundamental force behind all of existence. According to Lao Tzu, all things, no matter how diverse, arise from the same source and eventually return to it.

Nature is a profound teacher for those who seek to understand the complexity of life. The deeper we look, the more we realize that diversity is merely an expression of the One. The same universal force that nourishes the tree also breathes life into us. When we comprehend this, the boundaries that divide us—be they based on appearance, status, or belief—begin to blur. We are part of the same whole, driven by the same force.

Conclusion: Embracing Oneness

When we take into account the insights of these great thinkers, it becomes clear that the notion of "Everything is different, yet One" is deeply rooted in both spiritual and psychological understandings of the world. The differences we perceive are merely superficial manifestations of a deeper, shared reality. To live a more peaceful and meaningful life, we must look beyond surface differences and recognize that we are all connected by the same universal force, the One Supreme God.

Can we truly embrace this oneness and transcend the illusions of separateness?