- There is no self or “I”. What we call self is made up components such as our perceptions, senses, consciousness etc. The idea of self is a creation of our brain.
- Thus, we can say that we are empty of a self. Empty of a self that is independent from components.
- We can also say the world is actually also empty of self.
- A flower is made up of the sunshine, the soil that grows it, the seed, the water etc. these components come together to form a flower. Thus, the flower can be referred to as empty of a self.
- All negativity in life can be seen as empty too. A stressful situation is also made up of components.
- By observing these components, we can negate this negativity and live a blissful life.
Ok fine, everything is empty. What a weird and depressing outlook! Anyone who believes this will have a sad life.
This is the opposite. By acknowledging the emptiness of a self, we see life as full of its many components. This makes life more richer and happier. We can also begin to see through negativity. Negative situations can also be looked as components and they can be overcome. Furthermore, relying less on a sense of self, we feel more compassion towards others
Even then, why should anyone care about emptiness? I’m living my life fine as it is.
No one is forcing you to care, but emptiness can be an option when you are feeling stuck in life. It is a way of seeing the world and dealing with the negativity in it.
“Bodhisattvas who practice the Heart Sutra see no more obstacles in their mind, and because there are no more obstacles in their mind, they can overcome all fear.”
This has been another blog post on Emptiness. In the next installment in this series, I would like to address the question:
If my self and everything is empty, what is the meaning of life?
