Imagine that you are walking outside on a sunny day and you notice your shadow following you. At first glance, you might see your shadow as a solid, permanent object with a clear form and identity. However, as you keep walking, you notice that your shadow is not a static, permanent object. The shape and size of your shadow constantly changes depending on the position of the sun and your own movements.
In fact, your shadow is dependent on various outside conditions for its existence, such as the position of the sun and the objects around you. If you were to move into a different area where there is no light or the light is coming from a different direction, your shadow would disappear, revealing that it is not independent, or inherently existent.
If you were to examine your shadow more closely, you would find that there is no inherent nature, or essence, to the shadow. It is simply a collection of parts that are dependent on various conditions for their existence. This recognition of the emptiness of your shadow can be applied to all phenomena in the world around us. By recognizing that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence, we can let go of our attachment to fixed ideas of self and identity. This can lead to a greater sense of freedom, compassion, and wisdom in our lives.