Imagine that you are watching a shadow puppet show. You see the shadow of a bird moving across the screen. Initially, you might see the shadow as a distinct, solid object with a clear form and identity. However, as the puppeteer moves the light source, the shadow changes and becomes distorted.

It becomes clear that the shadow is not a solid, permanent object. Rather, it is a temporary and illusory phenomenon created by the interplay of light and shadow. If you were to examine the shadow more closely, you would find that there is no inherent self-nature or essence to the shadow; it is simply a collection of temporary and conditional phenomena.

This example can help us to understand the concept of emptiness in Buddhism. Like the shadow, all phenomena are temporary, dependent on causes and conditions, and lacking inherent existence. Our perception of the world around us is often distorted by our attachments to these temporary and illusory phenomena. By recognizing their emptiness, we can let go of our attachments and develop greater wisdom, compassion, and freedom in our lives.