spirituality
May 2008 
Emptiness
Posted on Jan 15th, 2008
by 
Angela
Angela
In the morning, at the zendo, after zazen there is zendo cleaning and then a formal breakfast. There is a formal aspect to the meal, but it's not silent. That is, we engage in pleasant conversation while we eat.
I asked the priest, "Is it ok for me to ask a dharma question over breakfast?" "Sure," he says. "I was just wondering, what does 'emptiness' mean?" There was laughter, because it was a pretty big question for breakfast. But really, I'd been asking specifically about a part of the breakfast chants, which includes "the emptiness of the three wheels, giver, receiver and gift."
The emptiness, in this case, refers to the empty place where our discerning thoughts used to be. Giver, receiver, and gift: all are one. The distinctions between them are void, or non-existent. At least, that's my understanding. What do I know?
Mostly, though, the emptiness is in my head. Since I posted the last entry, about sitting down and shutting up, I have been awfully quiet. It's been hard to think of any words to say.
I asked the priest, "Is it ok for me to ask a dharma question over breakfast?" "Sure," he says. "I was just wondering, what does 'emptiness' mean?" There was laughter, because it was a pretty big question for breakfast. But really, I'd been asking specifically about a part of the breakfast chants, which includes "the emptiness of the three wheels, giver, receiver and gift."
The emptiness, in this case, refers to the empty place where our discerning thoughts used to be. Giver, receiver, and gift: all are one. The distinctions between them are void, or non-existent. At least, that's my understanding. What do I know?
Mostly, though, the emptiness is in my head. Since I posted the last entry, about sitting down and shutting up, I have been awfully quiet. It's been hard to think of any words to say.
Access: Public
