Dependent Origination and Emptiness
Dr. Yutang Lin
Translated from Chinese by Stanley Lam
Dependent Origination and Emptiness are the two sides of truth and are mutually supporting principles. Dependent Origination means, since every phenomenon is the result of a combination of conditions, there is no immutable inherent existence — this is the meaning of Emptiness and no self. Emptiness means, nothing is absolutely independent without being affected by changes in causes and conditions, hence there is no self. It is just because the self that is in absolute control does not exist that all phenomena are of Dependent Origination. In solid practice, Emptiness is realized through removal of attachment, whereas the adaptability of Dependent Origination is realized through tolerance and service, thereby both oneself and others are benefited. Since there is no self, all are in Limitless-Oneness. Once such oneness is realized, a practitioner would voluntarily serve sentient beings of the same entity in accordance with the principles of causes and conditions, and work toward the ultimate goal of awakening the great compassionate love of the same entity and sharing the joy of an enlightened life devoted to Dharma services.
July 3, 1996
Written upon request from Xu Chun-Mei
Note to the English translations:
In the translation above the common translation of Emptiness for Sunyata is retained to facilitate readers who are familiar with that usage. I have given reasons in my work Wisdom and Compassion in Limitless-Oneness for the usage of Blank Essence for Sunyata. Hence, in the translation below changes are made just to reflect this change.
Dependent Origination and Emptiness
Dr. Yutang Lin
Translated from Chinese by Stanley Lam
Dependent Origination and Blank Essence are the two sides of truth and are mutually supporting principles. Dependent Origination means, since every phenomenon is the result of a combination of conditions, there is no immutable inherent existence — this is the meaning of Blank Essence and no self. Blank Essence means, nothing is absolutely independent without being affected by changes in causes and conditions, hence there is no self. It is just because the self that is in absolute control does not exist that all phenomena are of Dependent Origination. In solid practice, Blank Essence is realized through removal of attachment, whereas the adaptability of Dependent Origination is realized through tolerance and service, thereby both oneself and others are benefited. Since there is no self, all are in Limitless-Oneness. Once such oneness is realized, a practitioner would voluntarily serve sentient beings of the same entity in accordance with the principles of causes and conditions, and work toward the ultimate goal of awakening the great compassionate love of the same entity and sharing the joy of an enlightened life devoted to Dharma servicess.
July 3, 1996
Written upon request from Xu Chun-Mei
[Home][Back to list][Back to Chinese versions]