Date: 11/29/2025 11/30/2025
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Shilin Long
Sitting Meditation
A Beginner’s Understanding of Emptiness
“Emptiness” (Śūnyatā) is one of the most profound and misunderstood concepts in Buddhism. Emptiness does not mean nothingness, denial of reality, or negativity. It means that all things lack fixed, independent existence. Understanding emptiness frees us from attachment, confusion, and suffering. This foundational understanding opens the door to deeper insight and liberation.
1. What Is Emptiness? Not Nihilism, but Seeing Reality Clearly
1. Emptiness is not void
The world exists but not as we imagine.
2. Emptiness means no fixed nature
Everything is constantly changing.
3. Emptiness means no independent existence
Everything arises through conditions.
2. The Core of Emptiness: Dependent Origination
1. Nothing exists on its own
All phenomena depend on countless factors.
2. When conditions change, phenomena change
Different causes create different results.
3. No-self arises from dependent origination
There is no permanent, unchanging “self.”
3. Why Understand Emptiness? To Dissolve Attachment and Suffering
1. Attachment comes from thinking things “should” be fixed
Emptiness shows that nothing is fixed.
2. Suffering arises when we treat impermanent things as permanent
Emptiness corrects this misunderstanding.
3. Emotional distress comes from misperception
Seeing emptiness breaks illusion.
4. How to Experience Emptiness: Through Direct Observation
1. Observe bodily changes
The body is constantly shifting and aging.
2. Observe emotional changes
No emotion lasts or defines you.
3. Observe thoughts arise and vanish
Thoughts are passing shadows, not your identity.
5. Emptiness Is Not Coldness: It Leads to Freedom and Compassion
1. Seeing impermanence makes the heart softer
We stop forcing things to fit expectations.
2. No-self helps us understand others
Everyone is shaped by conditions.
3. Dependent origination increases appreciation
Nothing is guaranteed—every moment becomes meaningful.
6. Common Misunderstandings About Emptiness
1. Misunderstanding: Emptiness means nothing exists
Buddhism denies fixed essence, not existence.
2. Misunderstanding: Emptiness leads to passivity
True understanding brings greater energy and clarity.
3. Misunderstanding: Emptiness means life has no value
On the contrary, it makes life more vivid and profound.
7. Key to Beginning Insight Into Emptiness
1. Release rigid expectations
Everything is fluid and changing.
2. Allow phenomena to come and go
Without clinging or resisting.
3. Find stability in awareness
Awareness itself is unchanged amidst change.
Conclusion
Emptiness is not abstract philosophy—it is the nature of reality.
When we understand that all things lack fixed, independent essence and arise from conditions,
attachments loosen, suffering decreases, and wisdom grows.
A beginner’s understanding of emptiness is the first step toward liberation and a clear, awakened mind.
