The Profound Meaning of Nothingness

On the first of August, 2020, during the second session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these profound teachings on the meaning of nothingness. Whether the concept of nothingness is considered a positive or negative state depends entirely upon the heart of the one who perceives it.

The Worldly Fear of Nothingness

In the mundane world, people often fear the state of nothingness. They associate it with a sense of lack, deficiency, or loss. When they speak of nothingness, they are often thinking of:

• Having no wealth to sustain their lives.
• Having no home to provide shelter and security.
• Having no children to carry on their legacy.
• Having no strength to overcome the challenges of daily life.

To the worldly mind, these are seen as failures or unfortunate circumstances. Yet, the same concept of nothingness can also be a blessing, such as having no illness to suffer from or having no troublesome affairs to disturb one's peace. It is all a matter of perspective.

The Practitioner’s Path to Purity

For those who are dedicated to the path of practice, nothingness is something to be held in high regard and treated with deep reverence. It is the gateway to a higher state of being. To reach this state, a practitioner must cultivate the following qualities:

• No-heart: Letting go of the constant chatter and attachments of the ego.
• No-thought: Moving beyond the cycle of wandering, discursive thoughts.
• No-self: Realising the truth of no-self to dissolve the barriers of the ego.
• No-selfishness: Cultivating a heart that is entirely devoted to the benefit of all beings.
• No-dust: Keeping the heart free from the defilements of the external world.
• No-defilement: Maintaining a state of absolute purity within the heart.

These states are not easily attained. They require a great deal of effort, discipline, and the passing of many trials. This is the essential process one must undergo to become an awakened being, to find true freedom, and to experience the cool, refreshing clarity of the original nature.

The Infinite Fullness of Emptiness

We must understand that nothingness and emptiness do not mean that there is nothing there. On the contrary, they represent the potential to possess everything. This is not merely an abstract concept or a philosophical theory. It is a great benefit that can only be attained through actual, diligent practice and personal verification in one's own life.

One should treat the concept of nothingness with respect. When placed in different contexts, it carries different meanings and serves different purposes. Emptiness does not mean that we must discard everything or live in a state of deprivation. It is a state of being that depends entirely on the practitioner's level of understanding and how they apply this wisdom to their daily life.

Returning to the Original Nature

When the heart is truly empty, containing not a single thing, it returns to its original, pristine state. This is the natural, inherent condition of our true nature. How one experiences this state and how one interprets this emptiness will determine the depth of one's spiritual progress. We encourage all practitioners to reflect deeply on these words and to find the stillness that lies within. This teaching was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe, who served as the chief writer.

Namo Amituofo