“Contemplate the emptiness of this world. When you destroy the perception of yourself, you will overcome even death. The King of Death cannot find those who perceive things in such way.” Sutta-nipāta, 5.15
The Dried-Up Well
Thirsty senses wear out the mind. I see the well of the world, and wish to quench my thirst. However, it is filled with nothing but echoing memories.
The well has run dry. I come down to the bottom in hope of discovering a driblet of water if any, only to find cracks in the soil. But I see a strip of blue in the bright sky, from which descends the breath of peacefulness into the void world.
The Ruined House
Sadness obscures the light of mind. The world becomes gloomy, and the spirit cannot find refuge in itself. Hopes turn into a ruined house with shattered windows, sagging doors, and a collapsed roof.
Searching for impermanent things led me to this house, and only searching for permanent things can rescue me from it. Let me discover in my mind a seeker who is able to leave sadness.
The Forsaken Temple
Fear encumbers the mind. In the thicket of confusion, I spot the forsaken temple of my faith. I enter it. There are cobwebs in the corners. Instead of chants, I hear the sound of rain leaking through the ragged roof. I had forsaken this temple, but now I renew the service of renunciation of the world. Here I am left alone with my faith, in which I find refuge from attachment to transient things.
The Upside-Down Palace
Anger throws the mind into chaos. Indignation upsets the bowl of the senses, emptying them from vitality and satisfaction. The sky of the mind falls apart, creating an abyss.
I perceive a mind driven by anger as an upside-down palace, which has sunk into the realm of reflections. My own power has upturned it, and my own power will lift and revive the heavenly palace, where conscience, which unifies the minds of all beings, rules.
The Chilly Bathhouse
Euphoria agitates the mind, and dissipates its vitality. Enthusiasm and excitement are not contained. They are naked like a bathhouse visitor’s body.
I perceive euphoria as a chilly bathhouse. I warm myself up by pouring over my body freezing water of sobering shame for my mistakes. Burning cold induces a sensation of inner warmth, which gives me strength to overcome suffering.
Let there be good!
The Sutra "Contemplation of Emptiness" was written and illustrated by Nellie Pyatsky, a member of the Hundred Rivers School.
“Contemplate the emptiness of this world. When you destroy the perception of yourself, you will overcome even death. The King of Death cannot find those who perceive things in such way.” Sutta-nipāta, 5.15
The Dried-Up Well
Thirsty senses wear out the mind. I see the well of the world, and wish to quench my thirst. However, it is filled with nothing but echoing memories.
The well has run dry. I come down to the bottom in hope of discovering a driblet of water if any, only to find cracks in the soil. But I see a strip of blue in the bright sky, from which descends the breath of peacefulness into the void world.
The Ruined House
Sadness obscures the light of mind. The world becomes gloomy, and the spirit cannot find refuge in itself. Hopes turn into a ruined house with shattered windows, sagging doors, and a collapsed roof.
Searching for impermanent things led me to this house, and only searching for permanent things can rescue me from it. Let me discover in my mind a seeker who is able to leave sadness.
The Forsaken Temple
Fear encumbers the mind. In the thicket of confusion, I spot the forsaken temple of my faith. I enter it. There are cobwebs in the corners. Instead of chants, I hear the sound of rain leaking through the ragged roof. I had forsaken this temple, but now I renew the service of renunciation of the world. Here I am left alone with my faith, in which I find refuge from attachment to transient things.
The Upside-Down Palace
Anger throws the mind into chaos. Indignation upsets the bowl of the senses, emptying them from vitality and satisfaction. The sky of the mind falls apart, creating an abyss.
I perceive a mind driven by anger as an upside-down palace, which has sunk into the realm of reflections. My own power has upturned it, and my own power will lift and revive the heavenly palace, where conscience, which unifies the minds of all beings, rules.
The Chilly Bathhouse
Euphoria agitates the mind, and dissipates its vitality. Enthusiasm and excitement are not contained. They are naked like a bathhouse visitor’s body.
I perceive euphoria as a chilly bathhouse. I warm myself up by pouring over my body freezing water of sobering shame for my mistakes. Burning cold induces a sensation of inner warmth, which gives me strength to overcome suffering.
Let there be good!
The Sutra "Contemplation of Emptiness" was written and illustrated by Nellie Pyatsky, a member of the Hundred Rivers School.
