Life Is Empty, Yet Still Life: A Lesson Between Worry and Peace

Venerable Thich Chan Quang teaches on the Middle Way of the Diamond Sutra. We learn to view life as empty while still fulfilling our duties, so that we remain unburdened by worry yet do not lose wholesome dharmas.

Every morning when you wake up, you open your wardrobe and begin to think about what to wear today. If there are many outfits, your mind stirs with hesitation. Then you worry about work, family, and colleagues. Life occupies your attention so completely that no peace remains. But if you try to escape by shutting yourself away in a temple, will you truly find liberation? Today’s dharma talk helps us find the answer through the wisdom of the Diamond Sutra.

## When the World Is Dust and the Universe Vast

In this passage, the Buddha asks Subhuti whether the dust particles in the great trichiliocosm are numerous. Subhuti replies that they are very many. However, the Tathagata says that these dust particles are not truly dust particles; therefore, they are called dust particles. Similarly, the world is not truly a world; therefore, it is called a world. This may sound like wordplay, but Venerable Chan Quang explains that this short statement transforms our entire perspective on the Buddha's teachings and on human existence. Dust represents the smallest things, while the world represents the largest. They symbolize both the trivial and the profound aspects of life. We are placed within the universe and the world, amidst complex changes that affect our fate. In turn, we influence the world around us. So, what is life? Is it real or not? The Buddha teaches that it is not ultimately real, yet it is not entirely non-existent either.

## Two Extremes to Avoid

Some people fear being burdened by worry, so they deny the reality of life. Venerable Chan Quang warns that if we view this life as non-existent and deny our relationship with it, a strange karmic law takes effect: we lose everything. If you regard friends as mere dreams, you will eventually become lonely. If you treat money as nothing, you will have none left. If you see your home as illusory, you may end up without shelter. Conversely, clinging tightly also brings negative results. Relying on grand houses may lead to living in huts in future lives. As the teacher states, if you consider something as non-existent, it ceases to exist for you. This is the consequence of the extreme of denial. On the other hand, the extreme of attachment causes us to worry endlessly and chase after things, preventing any freedom. So, between these two poles, where lies the Middle Way?

## The Middle Way of the Diamond Sutra

This life is empty. It is not truly life, yet it is still life.

That is the Middle Way. The teacher explains that regarding the countless complexities of this world and our many duties, we must learn to view them as empty. However, even while viewing them as empty, we must still fulfill those duties perfectly. That balance is the Middle Way. In other words, do not let life drag you into chaos, nor dismiss it as an illusion so that you neglect your responsibilities. Living in the world while keeping the mind peaceful is the true goal.

## Practice: Fulfill Duties While Viewing Them as Empty

At first glance, this may seem simple, but applying it reveals a profound difference. For example, when taking your vehicle out of the house, previously you might have cherished it, clung to it, or compared it with others. Now, you still care for it, but you view it as empty. You strive to fulfill your duty while maintaining the understanding of emptiness. That is the Middle Way. Tomorrow at work, instead of carrying a heavy heart due to tasks, competitive colleagues, difficult bosses, or unfair subordinates, simply do your duty well. Then, entrust the outcomes to cause and effect (karmic law). The teacher advises us to just do our part and leave the rest to cause and effect and to the Buddhas.

## The Result of Practice

If we live with this spirit—fully dedicated to our duties yet seeing all things as empty—we receive the protection of the Buddhas.

When the mind becomes light, rather than worrying, you will find that matters naturally proceed smoothly. A difficult boss may suddenly change their attitude, and colleagues may find you more pleasant. These are blessings from merit arising from inner peace. We do not act to gain affection from others; rather, because our mind is free from distraction, we feel the protective grace of the Buddha.

The Diamond Sutra teaches us a deep lesson: do not worry so much that you lose your peace, and do not deny life so much that you lose wholesome dharmas. Live in the world, fulfill your duties, but view them as empty. As Venerable Chan Quang taught, this is the key to a peaceful mind and divine protection. Starting today, try applying this each morning: take out your vehicle with a mind that sees it as empty; go to work and complete your tasks with a light heart. You will find that life remains life, but it no longer burdens your mind.