Emptiness and the Middle Way

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The above two aspects of Emptiness should be realized together as they balance to show the Middle Way beyond all extremes.

Realizing the first aspect of Emptiness without the second can lead one to be greedy and selfish-falsely, believing that all pleasures and material things are "real" and lasting. Realizing the second aspect without the first can lead one to be pessimistic, passive or immoral, falsely believing that nothing is worth striving for as everything is hollow and meaningless.

It is therefore very important to see both of these aspects together in order to function with Wisdom in a balanced way in everyday life. One should learn to perceive everything as they are while knowing the true nature of their existence.

One who realizes Emptiness is able to live positively with great ease and freedom, treasuring everything without attachment.

Emptiness is not Nothingness

Emptiness does not mean physically or mentally nothing or nothingness - it is the law of total openness and infinite possibilities. Emptiness, is like the vast clear sky that allows clouds, birds, planes, etc to come in and go by, allowing infinite phenomena to occur within it.

Emptiness is thus infinitely more than everything that the unenlightened can perceive. It is because Emptiness that everything, including ourselves, can continually change for the better.

Anything can transform into something else when the right combination of causes and conditions are present. Similarly, anyone can become Enlightened if one cultivates spiritually. Emptiness is thus a teaching full of hope.

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