emptiness (Shunyata)

Emptiness (Shunyata) is a concept in Buddhism that refers to the idea that nothing has an independent, permanent essence. Instead, all things arise and exist through interconnected causes and conditions. This means things are empty of inherent, fixed existence; their identity depends on relationships and context. Recognizing emptiness helps us see that attachments and rigid ideas about reality are illusions, fostering greater flexibility, compassion, and freedom from suffering. It does not mean things do not exist at all, but that their existence is dependent and interdependent, emphasizing the fluid and interconnected nature of reality.