Beyond Emptiness

There was a time—not too long ago—when I would sit in quiet moments, eyes closed, repeating silently to myself: “I am a peaceful soul. I am a powerful soul.” These words brought me comfort, clarity, and a sense of identity rooted in something greater than my individual bodily existence in this transient world. I even wrote about this prayer in my Book, “Faith and Perseverance - My Journey”.

If you’re reading this, you are likely familiar with some of the core teachings of Buddhism. Recently, I have been reading through Diamond Sutra. One of the most radical insights from the Diamond Sutra is this: do not become attached to anything— Have a mind that is not attached to the five senses and dharma - not to a self, not to a body, not to the concept of others, not to the concept of soul, not even to emptiness. I don’t know what a mind without any concept would be like!

During meditative experiences, I in fact looked forward to touching the glowing source of what I called soul while dissolving into the emptiness of nothingness with each breath. But these two concepts of soul and emptiness now are also understood as forms of grasping, as I read Diamond Sutra. Gentle, subtle attachments cloaked in spiritual language. The Sutra does not deny any experience; it simply warns us to not cling to anything.

Can you imagine what life would be like if we weren’t attached to anything at all including the spiritual progress? Such a state sounds almost impossible—and perhaps from where we are now, it is. But even tasting this idea at the intellectual level is like euphoria!

As I write this, I notice a flicker of pride—a sense of "evolution" in my thinking. But even that is a trap. A subtler form of ego. The spiritual path is filled with these mirrors, showing us again and again where we’re still holding on. And yet, that’s okay.

Perhaps, there’s no destination to reach on the spiritual path.

So here I am still wanting to hold on to something even if it is the concept of emptiness but finding no ground to stand on. Only the feeling of falling into the abyss remains but I am not ready to let go!

#Diamondsutra #emptiness #soul #Buddhistteachings