The Descending-Elevator thought experiment is a popular one in philosophy and psychology that involves imagining oneself in an elevator that is descending floor by floor.
As the elevator goes down, imagine that your body is becoming lighter and lighter until it no longer has any weight. You are completely weightless, and there is no sensation of up or down. At this point, you realize that you cannot tell if the elevator is still descending or if it has reached the bottom floor and is now stationary.
This thought experiment raises questions about our perception of motion and our ability to distinguish between different states or positions. It also highlights the importance of our physical senses in shaping our experience of reality. Without the sensation of weight or movement, it can be difficult to determine our physical position and orientation in space.
The Descending-Elevator thought experiment can be applied to the Buddhist concept of emptiness, as it challenges us to question our assumptions about the nature of reality and our perception of it. By recognizing the emptiness and impermanence of all phenomena, including our own perceptions and experiences, we can cultivate greater wisdom, compassion, and freedom in our lives.