The one-word formula in the 《Heart Sutra》
In the long journey of life, we often spend a lot of time and energy to learn a lot of knowledge and truth, hoping to be able to control the boat of life, to the other side of happiness.
However, the baffling thing is that even though we have accumulated a lot of knowledge and understand a lot of truth, we still do not live the life we want.
This is because our suffering is often rooted in deeper human frailties - greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance and suspicion, as well as those deep-rooted habits and karma that bind us like invisible chains to a cycle of suffering
Spiritual practice is about "Heart Sutra", in the deep context of "Heart Sutra", the core word is - "empty".
"Empty" does not mean non-existence, but means that all things do not have the essence of self, their existence is interdependent and interrelated.
Through this concept, the 《Heart Sutra》 encourages us to go beyond our attachment to the material world and recognize that most of our fears, desires, and sufferings stem from our attachment to the phenomena of impermanence.
When we begin to understand and accept the truth of emptiness, we are able to release the negative emotions and unnecessary worries that bind our minds.
Imagine that when you have a setback in life, such as a failed project at work or a broken relationship with a friend, your first reaction might be disappointment and frustration.
But if you are able to look at these situations from the perspective of emptiness, you will realize that these frustrations are not a reflection of your personal worth, nor are they permanent.
They are only temporary phenomena in life, like clouds in the sky, which come and go. This realization can help you let go of your attachment to these events and reduce your inner pain.
To take another example,
When you see someone else owning something you desire, such as a luxury car or a well-paying job, you may feel envious or even jealous.
But the concept of "emptiness" reminds us that these external materials and status do not equate to happiness. They are impermanent and have nothing to do with the true self.
By understanding this, you can reduce your attachment to these external things and instead focus on inner growth and contentment.
By understanding the meaning of "empty", we can learn to be more calm and calm in our daily lives. In the face of uncertainty and change, we are able to remain calm because we recognize that everything is temporary and interdependent.
This mindset helps us keep a clear mind in the face of stress and challenges, so that we can make smarter decisions.
For example, when you experience stress at work, you can remind yourself that these stresses and challenges are not permanent, they are just a part of life. In this way, you can analyze the problem more calmly and find a way to solve the problem, rather than being swayed by emotions.
The word "empty" in the 《Heart Sutra》 is like a key that helps us unlock the shackles of our hearts and enable us to look at life with a more open and tolerant eye.
By practicing the doctrine of voidness, we can gradually let go of attachments and worries, achieve peace of mind and enlightenment, and experience a profound peace and inner awakening beyond the material world.