Emptiness: a Buddhist concept

I've been reflecting a lot lately on the Buddhist concept of emptiness and not self. Guy Armstrong wrote an amazing book called Emptiness which I am reading. His thorough explanation of the topic is really incredible. It really gives a step by step way of thinking in order to understand this concept. Is anyone else studying this topic?

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Carissimi · 70-79, F

I was a Buddhist once, but the concept of “emptiness” has different definitions depending on the school of Buddhism you follow.

My own understanding comes from the late Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hahn (not sure if that’s correct spelling), who taught that “emptiness” means we are made of different elements, and we are not separate from everything else in existence. Therefore, there is no “I” in absolute reality.

It’s been some years since I studied Buddhism, but I believe that was his definition of “empty,” if my memory serves me correctly.

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fakable · T

@Entwistle
and the last and strongest enemy is the thought of "i am"

Entwistle · 56-60, M

@fakable Yep,as we falsely conceive a separate self exists and no such thing has ever existed.

fakable · T

@Entwistle
yep

Entwistle · 56-60, M

I've been reading about emptiness and practicing emptiness meditation for over 30 years now. I've had flashes of experiencing it and I believe I understand it intellectually too.
If you Google 'Thomas McFarlane,Nagrjuna's teaching on Emtiness' you may find that insightful..I did.

curiouspirit · 36-40, F

@Entwistle That's really amazing! Thank you for sharing! What kind of emptiness meditation do you do? That's serious dedication to have been practicing for over 30 years. I've had one realization/insight experience and I am in a meditation class.

Entwistle · 56-60, M

@curiouspirit I practice walking meditation and mindfulness meditation.
Check out the essay on emptiness by Thomas McFarlane..Google it..Thomas McFarlane essay on Nagrjuna's teachings on emptiness'.

Entwistle · 56-60, M

Emptiness means nothing exists of its own Accord,nothing exists separate from anything else..yet we project self existence onto seemingly independent things 'out there'.
You see a cake or a car or anything else as existing independently from the causes and conditions that brought it about.
All things are merely imputed by mind..including mind itself.

curiouspirit · 36-40, F

@Entwistle Indeed. I agree completely. I have been working with some contemplations: All appearances are mind. Mind is empty and unfindable.

Entwistle · 56-60, M

@curiouspirit What is seen and the mind that sees it are not separate.
Same goes for all our senses.
We make the false distinction of me and everything else...the 'i' is a dependent origination..a concept.
Thoughts without a thinker.

metaldog

I think that 'emptiness' is when you've completely stepped away from your ego

curiouspirit · 36-40, F

@metaldog Indeed!

Entwistle · 56-60, M

@metaldog and then the realization occurs that there was never any 'i' to step away in the first place.

Entwistle · 56-60, M

@metaldog It's when you realize there is no you to step away...and no you who has the realization.

Heavenlywarrior · 36-40, M

Studied it somewhat… I think what sums it all up is we are nothing and everything. Many and one.

fakable · T

emptiness is very simple...
that's what's on my mind.

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