ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Much of our suffering comes from believing that people, situations, and even our own identity exist in a fixed and independent way. Buddhism calls this misunderstanding the root of suffering. The study and meditation on emptiness help us see ourselves and the world more accurately, leading to greater freedom, compassion, and peace.
REFLECTION
“As human beings we are as impermanent as everything else is. Every cell in the body is continuously changing. Thoughts and emotions rise and fall away unceasingly. When we’re thinking that we’re competent or that we’re hopeless–what are we basing it on? On this fleeting moment? On yesterday’s success or failure? We cling to a fixed idea of who we are and it cripples us. Nothing and no one is fixed.”
– Chödrön, Pema. The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times. Boston: Shambhala Publications, 2001.
Books
Dalai Lama. (2006). How to see yourself as you really are. Atria Books.
Tegchok, G. J. (2007). Insight into emptiness. Snow Lion Publications.
Tsering, G. T. (2010). Emptiness: The foundation of Buddhist thought (The Foundation Series). Wisdom Publications.
Talks and Teachings
Teaching by Lama Zopa Rinpoche on Emptiness from a Kopan Course
https://www.lamayeshe.com/article/chapter/8-emptiness-meditation
Emptiness in Daily Life by H.H. 14th Dalai Lama
https://youtu.be/OpgjSn7YGcQ?si=fHxdLGeHkYm_1B17
Practices
“Looking for the I” meditation by Tenzin Drolma
https://youtu.be/bgMNm5l80uo?si=6SUkplL-p1vPm7Jx
Emptiness and Dependent Arising Meditation by Lozang Yonten
