Having recently discovered your books, I am a new subscriber. You have a wonderfully clear and approachable way of explaining these Buddhist concepts and teachings. I’ve been a student of Buddhism for a long time, and definitely am barely in kindergarten with respect to true understanding, but I can discern a good teacher! I’ve been recommending your Dalai Lama’s Cat books to anyone I know who has shown an interest in Buddhism. When someone first recommended these books to me, she was reading them as she sat with her dying father (a dear friend of mine and a student of Tibetan Buddhism), I was wary that the books might be pop-culture, “Buddhism-lite” so to speak. Not so at all! Thank you for sharing these teachings that sometimes can seem so incomprehensible in such an accessible and enjoyable way.
My heartfelt thanks for your kind message, Cathy! Yes, there is a big difference between Buddha-Lite and trying to make the Dharma accessible. I am so very happy that the Dharma is resonating with you!
Contemplation is so important for me to understand concepts of Buddhism even with David's gentle interpretations. I think it is wisdom to revisit and think about things before coming to a conclusion of understanding. It gives me a richer experience of his teaching and a deeper significance to my practice. Thank you for your comment.
Thank you for another of your wonderfully lucid explanations, David. Very helpful. Shunyata is so straightforward on the face of it, and so subtle and elusive to hold on to. I think I’ve got it, then some area of knowledge unfolds a little for me, causing all the other pieces of my understanding to shift, and I realize I still don’t quite grasp shunyata. I suppose that process itself is also shunyata in action.
I notice in your reply to Peter Sands, you mention the possibility of writing some Tara stories. To that I say, yes, please!
I first want to begin by asking if you are doing ok. I hope you feel better. And I also laughed when you spoke about the chair and it's parts. I imagined you chatting in a room with me and asking to sit on the chair and the sum of its parts. It just sounded funny . The concept of how we are parts is fascinating. I like how you described we are also what we think we are. Like you said you are a Buddhist but you once were not. Now you are vegetarian but once were not. But you are still David .
Hi Brigitte, I will talk about this more in the next Q&A. I think it just takes time to process and get our heads around the idea that there isn't a 'me' separate from a whole of bunch of constantly changing parts. But it's aamazingly liberating, even as just an idea! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.
Hello David, I will have to listen to your talk several times to start to understand it at an intuitive, deeper level. The Buddhist concept that first drew me in to wanting to learn more, many years ago, was being present at a mandala ceremony, which remains one of the most powerful experiences of my life. I still treasure the small amount of the sand I was gifted by the monks. My question is on the relationship of the concepts (reality) of shunyata and impermanence, as manifested by the sweeping away of the mandala. I feel these are related, but how is slippery for me. Perhaps you can discuss in a later talk or Q and A.
Another example of impermanence you might love is Circles in the Sand at a stunning beach in Bandon, Oregon. Several times a year, a master artist and team of volunteers create a quarter mile, elaborate labyrinth at low tide. The path is decorated with sand carvings of dozens of lovely sea creatures and other images skillfully traced into the hard sand. After hundreds of people walk the labyrinth, surrounded by house-size rocks and living tide pools filled with sea stars and many other friends, the tide of course washes the labyrinth and images away. It makes me cry to just remember it.
Hi Janice, Good idea! I can certainly talk about impermanence and shunyata in a future Q&A. A constant recollection of impermanence is useful, because it helps us recognise that nothing is fixed and permanent, and that everything is in an ongoing state of becoming. Part of Buddha's genius was in teaching that this applies to us too, and that as humans we are particularly empowered to direct this process of becoming in a positive way.
I think I understand shunyata from your excellent talk. The famous kitty cat that lives with the Dalai Lama likes to teach so I am guessing you learned this from his purrrs. Your face looks good and it is so heartwarming to know this fact!! Do continue to take care of you. Most sincerely Linda
I am a new subscriber but an avid reader of your HHC books, thanks for making this video, its so much better to have things explained in this way than in written format- those mental fleas are always nibbling at me when I read "serious" stuff!! I will have a lot to think about in the next few days. Take care of yourself and hope those last blisters quickly heal. Best wishes from the other end of the Czech Rep than where you were recently.
Thank you for this explanation. I have been struggling to understand this concept for a long time, although I have not heard it called shunyata but instead "no-self," which sounds like it is the same thing. The way you have explained it makes perfect sense to me!
So glad to hear this, Paula. Yes there is sometimes the translation of "no-self" which, to me, falls to the extreme of nihilism. It is a lot more subtle - and interesting than that!
Thank you so much for this clear and understandable explanation of Shunyata. Through all my experiences, I was aware of this interdependet and changing self over time. But through your explanation it becomes very clear to my mind that we have the power to shift our idea about our self and create our self to where we intend to.
I wish you fast recovery from your skin condition.
My sincere thanks, Ayelet. Yes, our entire idea of self is something we create and can therefore change. In fact, no one else has this power - unless we cede it to them.
Thank you for such a clear explanation, it has helped me understand how my view of myself has changed so rapidly in the passed few weeks. I caught covid, then broke my arm in a really bad fall, I am now on the mend and my self perception has changed rapidly from day to day accordingly. Keep on with these teachings, they are so clear and helpful.
I am glad to hear this, Mary. It can come as quite a liberating discovery to recognise that this much-vaunted self is just a collection ideas we have about our self at any one time!!
Thank you for the wonderful video teaching and glad you are recovering from your treatment. In trying to explain sunyata more clearly to me, my teacher also offered two examples that also helped me understand this concept. The first one was that of a wave in the ocean and the second one of a leaf in a tree. Thanks to both of you, I think I am getting it!
Excellent! And thanks so much for sharing those other illustrations Kathy - the more different ways we have to think about it, the more it starts to come together.
Many thanks Annette! Yes, I once heard of a prisoner who, reading that every cell in our body is renewed after 7 years, tried to get released on the basis that he was no longer the same person who committed the crime. They didn't buy the argument, but a nice try!!
Thank you David for a extremely interesting video presentation and written article on a subject I hoped we'd explore more.
A piece from your teaching two weeks ago, via HHC, interested me, and I quote it here:
“When doing something kind, for example, when we remember there is no inherently-existent me, doing some inherently-existent nice thing for some inherently-existent other person, then we create a cause for enlightenment.”
This was said with reference to shunyata, and I wonder if you could help link your two pieces together for me?
I am glad you are feeling better, and look forward to other such teachings.
I think this would make an excellent subject for a Q and A answer! We will certainly be exploring shunyata more, as it is the nature of all phenomena, and ourselves. Thanks so much for your ongoing engagement and support!
Having recently discovered your books, I am a new subscriber. You have a wonderfully clear and approachable way of explaining these Buddhist concepts and teachings. I’ve been a student of Buddhism for a long time, and definitely am barely in kindergarten with respect to true understanding, but I can discern a good teacher! I’ve been recommending your Dalai Lama’s Cat books to anyone I know who has shown an interest in Buddhism. When someone first recommended these books to me, she was reading them as she sat with her dying father (a dear friend of mine and a student of Tibetan Buddhism), I was wary that the books might be pop-culture, “Buddhism-lite” so to speak. Not so at all! Thank you for sharing these teachings that sometimes can seem so incomprehensible in such an accessible and enjoyable way.
Gassho,
Cathy
My heartfelt thanks for your kind message, Cathy! Yes, there is a big difference between Buddha-Lite and trying to make the Dharma accessible. I am so very happy that the Dharma is resonating with you!
Hi David, hope you are fully recovered now.
I really enjoyed the way you explained such a complex concept.
I actually need to listen several times more to be able to formulate the questions that I know are there but am finding difficult to put into words.
Sorry it took so long to comment
No worries about the delay at all, Sarah. The main thing is that you were engaged - this is such a vital subject!
Contemplation is so important for me to understand concepts of Buddhism even with David's gentle interpretations. I think it is wisdom to revisit and think about things before coming to a conclusion of understanding. It gives me a richer experience of his teaching and a deeper significance to my practice. Thank you for your comment.
Thank you for another of your wonderfully lucid explanations, David. Very helpful. Shunyata is so straightforward on the face of it, and so subtle and elusive to hold on to. I think I’ve got it, then some area of knowledge unfolds a little for me, causing all the other pieces of my understanding to shift, and I realize I still don’t quite grasp shunyata. I suppose that process itself is also shunyata in action.
I notice in your reply to Peter Sands, you mention the possibility of writing some Tara stories. To that I say, yes, please!
Thanks so much, Sarah! Slipperiness is the usual experience, but to whatever extent we can grasp it, we find true freedom.
And thanks for the green light on Tara!
Of course I find the time to comment! I find you interesting!
Hi,
I first want to begin by asking if you are doing ok. I hope you feel better. And I also laughed when you spoke about the chair and it's parts. I imagined you chatting in a room with me and asking to sit on the chair and the sum of its parts. It just sounded funny . The concept of how we are parts is fascinating. I like how you described we are also what we think we are. Like you said you are a Buddhist but you once were not. Now you are vegetarian but once were not. But you are still David .
Can you explain how that is true?
Hi Brigitte, I will talk about this more in the next Q&A. I think it just takes time to process and get our heads around the idea that there isn't a 'me' separate from a whole of bunch of constantly changing parts. But it's aamazingly liberating, even as just an idea! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.
Hello David, I will have to listen to your talk several times to start to understand it at an intuitive, deeper level. The Buddhist concept that first drew me in to wanting to learn more, many years ago, was being present at a mandala ceremony, which remains one of the most powerful experiences of my life. I still treasure the small amount of the sand I was gifted by the monks. My question is on the relationship of the concepts (reality) of shunyata and impermanence, as manifested by the sweeping away of the mandala. I feel these are related, but how is slippery for me. Perhaps you can discuss in a later talk or Q and A.
Another example of impermanence you might love is Circles in the Sand at a stunning beach in Bandon, Oregon. Several times a year, a master artist and team of volunteers create a quarter mile, elaborate labyrinth at low tide. The path is decorated with sand carvings of dozens of lovely sea creatures and other images skillfully traced into the hard sand. After hundreds of people walk the labyrinth, surrounded by house-size rocks and living tide pools filled with sea stars and many other friends, the tide of course washes the labyrinth and images away. It makes me cry to just remember it.
Hi Janice, Good idea! I can certainly talk about impermanence and shunyata in a future Q&A. A constant recollection of impermanence is useful, because it helps us recognise that nothing is fixed and permanent, and that everything is in an ongoing state of becoming. Part of Buddha's genius was in teaching that this applies to us too, and that as humans we are particularly empowered to direct this process of becoming in a positive way.
I think I understand shunyata from your excellent talk. The famous kitty cat that lives with the Dalai Lama likes to teach so I am guessing you learned this from his purrrs. Your face looks good and it is so heartwarming to know this fact!! Do continue to take care of you. Most sincerely Linda
You are very kind, thank you Linda! I appreciate your message.
I am a new subscriber but an avid reader of your HHC books, thanks for making this video, its so much better to have things explained in this way than in written format- those mental fleas are always nibbling at me when I read "serious" stuff!! I will have a lot to think about in the next few days. Take care of yourself and hope those last blisters quickly heal. Best wishes from the other end of the Czech Rep than where you were recently.
My sincere thanks, Gill! Always nice to hear from someone from the Czech Republic!
Thank you for this explanation. I have been struggling to understand this concept for a long time, although I have not heard it called shunyata but instead "no-self," which sounds like it is the same thing. The way you have explained it makes perfect sense to me!
So glad to hear this, Paula. Yes there is sometimes the translation of "no-self" which, to me, falls to the extreme of nihilism. It is a lot more subtle - and interesting than that!
very, very interesting and very well explained. Thanks David.
My pleasure, Isabel!
Dear David,
Thank you so much for this clear and understandable explanation of Shunyata. Through all my experiences, I was aware of this interdependet and changing self over time. But through your explanation it becomes very clear to my mind that we have the power to shift our idea about our self and create our self to where we intend to.
I wish you fast recovery from your skin condition.
Ayelet
My sincere thanks, Ayelet. Yes, our entire idea of self is something we create and can therefore change. In fact, no one else has this power - unless we cede it to them.
Thank you for such a clear explanation, it has helped me understand how my view of myself has changed so rapidly in the passed few weeks. I caught covid, then broke my arm in a really bad fall, I am now on the mend and my self perception has changed rapidly from day to day accordingly. Keep on with these teachings, they are so clear and helpful.
May you make a swift and full recovery!
I am glad to hear this, Mary. It can come as quite a liberating discovery to recognise that this much-vaunted self is just a collection ideas we have about our self at any one time!!
So glad that you are recovering from your skin condition David. Thank you for the profound also very personal explanation of Shunyata.
So glad that you found it helpful, Bruce! I hope that all is well with you and Rae.
Hello David!
Thank you for the wonderful video teaching and glad you are recovering from your treatment. In trying to explain sunyata more clearly to me, my teacher also offered two examples that also helped me understand this concept. The first one was that of a wave in the ocean and the second one of a leaf in a tree. Thanks to both of you, I think I am getting it!
Take care,
Kathy 🌺
Excellent! And thanks so much for sharing those other illustrations Kathy - the more different ways we have to think about it, the more it starts to come together.
Thank you David for a very clear description of sunyata. I can see that I am definitely not the same person as I was even a week ago.
I am so glad your treatment has gone well and you are happy to face us all again. Blessings from Worcestershire UK 🙏
Many thanks Annette! Yes, I once heard of a prisoner who, reading that every cell in our body is renewed after 7 years, tried to get released on the basis that he was no longer the same person who committed the crime. They didn't buy the argument, but a nice try!!
Thank you David for a extremely interesting video presentation and written article on a subject I hoped we'd explore more.
A piece from your teaching two weeks ago, via HHC, interested me, and I quote it here:
“When doing something kind, for example, when we remember there is no inherently-existent me, doing some inherently-existent nice thing for some inherently-existent other person, then we create a cause for enlightenment.”
This was said with reference to shunyata, and I wonder if you could help link your two pieces together for me?
I am glad you are feeling better, and look forward to other such teachings.
Erin
I think this would make an excellent subject for a Q and A answer! We will certainly be exploring shunyata more, as it is the nature of all phenomena, and ourselves. Thanks so much for your ongoing engagement and support!