Imagine that you are standing on a mountaintop and you shout out a greeting. You might expect your greeting to echo back to you, but over time, the echo begins to fade until it disappears completely. The fading echo can serve as an example of emptiness and impermanence.
As the echo fades away, it illustrates the transitory and fleeting nature of phenomena. The echo has no inherent existence beyond its dependence on the soundwaves that initially created it. It arises, endures for a time, and eventually fades away. In the same way, all things in the world arise, are sustained for a time, and ultimately diminish or cease to exist.
Contemplating the fading echo can help us to cultivate a deeper understanding of emptiness, interdependence, and impermanence. It can remind us that all things in the world are transient and dependent on causes and conditions beyond their own self-nature. By recognizing this truth, we can lessen our attachment to things in the world, and cultivate deeper compassion and wisdom in our lives.