Dhyan Guru | Exploring Emptiness in Buddhism: Understanding and Examples

Exploring Emptiness

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Emptiness

suññatā in Pali

is a fundamental concept in Buddhism that refers to the absence of inherent existence or essence in all phenomena.

It means that

everything is dependently arisen,

subject to change, and interconnected.

In Theravada Buddhism,

the understanding of emptiness

is closely connected to the central

Buddhist teaching of "anatta" or "no-self."

In Mahayana Buddhism,

the understanding of emptiness extends to all phenomena,

including the five aggregates

and even the teachings themselves.

Emptiness (suññatā in Pali, śūnyatā in Sanskrit) is a fundamental concept in Buddhism that refers to the absence of inherent existence or essence in all phenomena. It means that everything is dependently arisen, subject to change, and interconnected.

Difference between Theravada and Mahayana understanding of emptiness:

In Theravada Buddhism, emptiness primarily focuses on the absence of a permanent, independent self or essence in all phenomena, including the five aggregates (form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness) that make up a sentient being. This understanding of emptiness is closely connected to the central Buddhist teaching of "anatta" or "no-self."

In Mahayana Buddhism, the understanding of emptiness extends to all phenomena, including the five aggregates and even the teachings themselves. Mahayana emphasizes the concept of "prajñāpāramitā" or "the perfection of wisdom" that recognizes the emptiness of all phenomena. This understanding is based on the idea that all phenomena are devoid of inherent existence or independent self-nature and that they only exist in relation to other phenomena.

Theravada example: A person walking down the street is not a single, permanent, independent entity but rather a combination of the five aggregates, which are constantly changing, interconnected, and dependent on external factors.
Mahayana example: A person walking down the street is not only devoid of a permanent self but also interconnected with and dependent on various phenomena, such as their clothes, which depend on the fabric, threads, and cotton plant. The person's thoughts, feelings, and actions are also interconnected with other people, events, and the environment.

Root texts:
Theravada: Paticcasamuppada-vibhanga Sutta (SN 12.2) and Anatta-lakkhana Sutta (SN 22.59) from the Pali Canon, specifically the Sutta Pitaka.

Mahayana: Prajñāpāramitā Sutras (e.g., Heart Sutra and Diamond Sutra) and Madhyamaka texts, such as Nagarjuna's "Mūlamadhyamakakārikā" (The Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way).

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