Existence and Emptiness Through the Eyes of a Bodhisattva: A Teaching for Serene Living

This article shares profound insights from Venerable Thich Chan Quang regarding the dharma of existence and the dharma of emptiness. These teachings help us view life with lightness and live more serenely. Have you ever heard the phrase "form is emptiness" and felt confused? In life, we are often busy with hundreds of relationships, yet deep down, we feel empty. In his lecture on the Bodhisattva and the Dharma of Emptiness and Existence, Venerable Thich Chan Quang opened a perspective that is both profound and endearing. He helps us see clearly that existence and emptiness are not separate. Today, let us step into the world of the Bodhisattva to learn this way of seeing again.

## Four Mantras: Existence Is Emptiness, Emptiness Is Existence

The teaching begins with a seemingly complex statement: Existence is emptiness, emptiness is existence; existence becomes emptiness, and emptiness becomes existence. The teacher smiled and said that simply memorizing these four phrases allows one to impress others. However, understanding them deeply reveals the gateway to the Middle Way.

To say existence is emptiness means that even while all things are present and existing right now, we can perceive their inherent emptiness. They are there, yet they are empty and devoid of ultimate meaning. This may sound painful, but in reality, it nourishes wisdom. Consider a loved one: they are a child, a parent, a spouse, a director, or a worker. Yet when illness arrives, all roles dissolve, leaving only a fragile body. The teacher pointed out clearly: What remains as the most valuable thing in that person? Only suffering (dukkha). If we truly understand this, our hearts will be lighter when facing loss, because all phenomena lack a permanent self-nature.

## Existence Is Emptiness: Seeing Through Presence

The teacher emphasized that to see existence as emptiness, we must open the eye of wisdom. Before gaining this insight, we assume everything is solid and certain. But upon close observation, we realize the body ages, and fame fades. The Buddha taught at the Deer Park that understanding suffering (dukkha) is the first step toward liberation from it. The teacher stated: Look closely at the nature of human existence; it is empty and meaningless. We are all equal in the shared experience of suffering (dukkha). When we accept both sides of this truth, our mind becomes free. We do not rejoice excessively when wealthy, nor do we despair when poor. We know assets will pass away and human connections change. This is the foundation of serene living.

## Emptiness Is Existence: When Void Holds Potential

In an empty container, if we remove all air, is it completely void? The teacher asked playfully, then answered: No, the earth's gravitational field remains, along with many other fields. From these fields, matter and the world form. The teacher affirmed: In this universe, nothing is absolutely non-existent, and nothing is absolutely existent. This leads to an interesting lesson: from a rumor, a stone can become a place where deities reside. When many people believe, celestial beings manifest to uphold that faith. The teacher cited: Because the hearts of holy beings above cannot bear to betray human faith. Buddhism is similar. The name of a bodhisattva may not appear in history, but when millions chant it, Buddhas manifest within that devotion. Therefore, spiritual practice is never futile. As the teacher said: From emptiness arises existence. This is the subtle wonder of Mahayana Buddhism.

## Existence Becomes Emptiness: The Law of Impermanence (Anicca)

Impermanence (anicca) is an obvious law: birth, growth, aging, sickness, and death. Few remember that the universe also undergoes cycles of formation and destruction. The teacher cited scientific discoveries: wheel fossils sixty million years old and metal hammer handles one hundred fifty million years old show that civilizations existed before ours. The Buddha knew this well. The teacher said: Existence becomes emptiness, and emptiness becomes existence. Similarly, the void we let go of... becomes the starting point for everything. Understanding impermanence (anicca) prevents attachment, yet avoids pessimism. From emptiness, new existence can arise. Every loss is an opportunity to begin anew.

## Emptiness Becomes Existence: Dependent Origination from a Single Thought

A small action can lead to great results. The teacher told a story: A person passing by a statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva heard about the bodhisattva and clasped their hands in respect a few times. From that tiny spark of faith, over two hundred lifetimes, that person became a sage. Conversely, someone who mocked a clay statue descended gradually into the realm of worms due to a single word. The teacher explained: When we generate a single wholesome thought, a wise being sees the ripple effects across two hundred future lifetimes. Thus, the bodhisattva perceives cause and effect (karmic law) from the infinite past. Every thought, word, and action is a seed planted in the soil. Do not underestimate small intentions, for they can open up boundless futures.

## The Bodhisattva Between Existence and Emptiness: Serene Freedom

By clearly seeing existence and emptiness, the bodhisattva is no longer troubled by life’s ups and downs. When loved, they are grateful; when hated, they smile, seeing another chance for practice. The teacher said: Because the bodhisattva sees existence as emptiness, their heart is peaceful, joyful, and free from entanglement. They walk through a life of highs and lows... very serenely. This is the vivid image of one practicing the bodhisattva path: neither denying life nor clinging to it. As the teacher guided, practice viewing all things with this eye in every moment. Only with deep cultivation can we maintain freedom amidst the flow of life.

Existence and emptiness are merely two aspects of the same reality. When we become aware of this, we no longer fear scarcity nor drown in wealth. Venerable Thich Chan Quang has shown us the Middle Way: letting go while remaining active, being empty yet full. May today’s teaching be a drop of nectar for your spiritual journey. Begin now with a gentle breath, looking back at your life with the eyes of a bodhisattva.