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Compassion and Emptiness in Early Buddhist Meditation
"This book is the result of rigorous textual scholarship that can be valued not only by the academic community, but also by Buddhist practitioners. This book serves as an important bridge between those who wish to learn about Buddhist thought and practice and those who wish to learn from it. . . . As a monk engaging himself in Buddhist meditation as well as a professor applying a historical-critical methodology, Bhikkhu Analayo' is well positioned to bridge these two communities. . . . Exploring the meditative practices of compassion and emptiness, Analayo' casts fresh light on their earliest sources in the Buddhist tradition."—17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje "Arising from the author's long-term, dedicated practice and study, this book provides a window into the depth and beauty of the Buddha's liberating teachings. Serious meditation students will benefit tremendously from the clarity of understanding that Venerable Analayo's efforts have achieved."—Sharon Salzberg "In this study, Venerable Analayo' brings a meticulous textual analysis of Pali texts, the Chinese Agamas and related material from Sanskrit and Tibetan to the foundational topics of compassion and emptiness. While his analysis is grounded in a scholarly approach, he has written this study as a helpful guide for meditation practice."—Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo Bhikkhu Analayo' completed a PhD on the Satipatthanasutta at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, in 2000, published in 2003 by Windhorse Publications under the title The Direct Path to Realization . At present Analayo' is a professor of Buddhist studies at the Sri Lanka International Academy in Pallekele.
232 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 21, 2024
This essay deals with equally important topics in Buddhist practice, all schools and sects combined, yet the link between these two concepts do not seem to be obvious, even further their link to the idea of enlightenment, as the central purpose of Buddhism is also not immediate. This book aims at explaining more about these core concepts from the practical point of view, starting from the earliest Buddhist texts which details the practice of both compassion and emptiness, preserved in different Buddhist traditions and in various languages.
Starting from compassion, it is popular knowledge that compassion is central to Buddhist practice, and its importance can be seen even among lay followers without ever consulting any texts. Compassion is encouraged first as a general attitude to be adopted in one’s daily life and also as a meditation practice. As a meditation practice, it supports and strengthens this mental attitude during daily life. It also protects from the proliferation of unwholesome mental attitudes such as anger, malevolence, and cruelty towards others. But most importantly, compassion meditation is a mind broadening mental training. The idea is to keep extending the idea of compassion progressively across broader mental levels until it encompasses all consciousness, overcoming any hindrance that may arise in the mind. In fact, hindrances such as anger or covetousness are fixations that arise in the mind, proliferate, and then disappear. The untrained mind is easily sidetracked by them and rapidly overwhelmed by their presence and trapped immediately in their endless cycle. Therefore, compassion Meditation can be considered as a concentration exercise that targets the overcoming of the hindrances while developing a broad and flexible mind.
This broad mind is then pushed further using the concept of emptiness. Emptiness in Buddhist practice is a concept that targets the impermanence of phenomena rather than its non-existence. Far from being a nihilistic approach to the phenomena it is a tool to dissect how human existence is a mental construction made out of the diverse source material of physical substance, feelings, perception and recollection of mental images. Once this mental construct is analyzed, what is left behind it is the impermanent arising and cessation of the mind. Therefore, in Buddhist terms, all phenomena are empty.
In practical terms, the realization and clear comprehension of emptiness is developed through what the Buddhist texts call residing in emptiness, a practice that the Buddha described by detailing progressive steps. It is here where the mind broadening achieved through compassion meditation becomes the bridge to emptiness practice. As the mind becomes free from hindrances and malleable enough, the idea is to shift attention and build a mental distance from perceptions. As the Buddha puts it, for a forest dwelling monk he begins the exercise by not perceiving his fellow monks, as they are an empty and impermanent perception, then proceed by removing subsequent perceptions like that of the forest, then earth and follow by that of space, then move progressively to that of consciousness. The purpose is to realize the conditioned, impermanent, and inessential nature of all these mental constructions.
Even further, the realization of the emptiness of what is perceived is extended to the perceiver. Central to clinging and suffering is the perception of a self that perceives experiences, delights, or sufferers. The practice of residing in emptiness aims to the realization that this entity perceived as a separate and essential Self who experiences the world is in itself a construction, fueled by ignorance and delusion, and leading to a fundamentally wrong comprehension of the real nature of human existence. This is an important step towards complete liberation of the mind by the eradication of ignorance and uprooting of conceit.
Starting from compassion, it is popular knowledge that compassion is central to Buddhist practice, and its importance can be seen even among lay followers without ever consulting any texts. Compassion is encouraged first as a general attitude to be adopted in one’s daily life and also as a meditation practice. As a meditation practice, it supports and strengthens this mental attitude during daily life. It also protects from the proliferation of unwholesome mental attitudes such as anger, malevolence, and cruelty towards others. But most importantly, compassion meditation is a mind broadening mental training. The idea is to keep extending the idea of compassion progressively across broader mental levels until it encompasses all consciousness, overcoming any hindrance that may arise in the mind. In fact, hindrances such as anger or covetousness are fixations that arise in the mind, proliferate, and then disappear. The untrained mind is easily sidetracked by them and rapidly overwhelmed by their presence and trapped immediately in their endless cycle. Therefore, compassion Meditation can be considered as a concentration exercise that targets the overcoming of the hindrances while developing a broad and flexible mind.
This broad mind is then pushed further using the concept of emptiness. Emptiness in Buddhist practice is a concept that targets the impermanence of phenomena rather than its non-existence. Far from being a nihilistic approach to the phenomena it is a tool to dissect how human existence is a mental construction made out of the diverse source material of physical substance, feelings, perception and recollection of mental images. Once this mental construct is analyzed, what is left behind it is the impermanent arising and cessation of the mind. Therefore, in Buddhist terms, all phenomena are empty.
In practical terms, the realization and clear comprehension of emptiness is developed through what the Buddhist texts call residing in emptiness, a practice that the Buddha described by detailing progressive steps. It is here where the mind broadening achieved through compassion meditation becomes the bridge to emptiness practice. As the mind becomes free from hindrances and malleable enough, the idea is to shift attention and build a mental distance from perceptions. As the Buddha puts it, for a forest dwelling monk he begins the exercise by not perceiving his fellow monks, as they are an empty and impermanent perception, then proceed by removing subsequent perceptions like that of the forest, then earth and follow by that of space, then move progressively to that of consciousness. The purpose is to realize the conditioned, impermanent, and inessential nature of all these mental constructions.
Even further, the realization of the emptiness of what is perceived is extended to the perceiver. Central to clinging and suffering is the perception of a self that perceives experiences, delights, or sufferers. The practice of residing in emptiness aims to the realization that this entity perceived as a separate and essential Self who experiences the world is in itself a construction, fueled by ignorance and delusion, and leading to a fundamentally wrong comprehension of the real nature of human existence. This is an important step towards complete liberation of the mind by the eradication of ignorance and uprooting of conceit.
September 1, 2019
I am on my second reading of this book, and after two years of practice, and two Vipassana retreats, this work speaks to me more than it did the first time around. That's the way with Analayos works; they are so full of things to think about and meditate on that they provide a constant reference.
This book deals with two themes that occur more explicitly in mahayana buddhist circles - compassion and emptiness. (Bodhicitta and Shunyata).
Analayo draws on early discourses to show how positive emotion can help to fulfill many path factors, soften the impact of karmas yet to ripen and lead to an instantaneous gladdening and liberating of the mind right here and right now, which will be sure to provide fruit in thus very life, irrespective of who you are or what you have done.
He shows how the boundless, open and expensive quality of friendliness and compassion is comparable to being in the formless jhanas, and how compassion can carry one to full awakening if it is enjoined with insight practice and development of the enlightenment factors, such as mindful investigation, energy and so on. There are potentially a few nods to Ajahn Brahms concept of Kindfulness here. A Path with a Heart.
The second topic to be deal with, emptiness, shows from a more analytical perspective, how the aggregates that make up mind and matter can be systematically analysed and put aside as empty, thereby assisting a gradual entry into abiding in emptiness.
Thus compassion and emptiness both come to refer to this boundless exerience of a heart/mind opened wide, clear and unimpeded.
I would recommend to anyone who has at least read Analayos Satipattana book, meditates regularly and is inclined to reflect on and analyse teachings and test against experience.
Analayo is my favourite Buddhist writer, maybe he will be yours too.
This book deals with two themes that occur more explicitly in mahayana buddhist circles - compassion and emptiness. (Bodhicitta and Shunyata).
Analayo draws on early discourses to show how positive emotion can help to fulfill many path factors, soften the impact of karmas yet to ripen and lead to an instantaneous gladdening and liberating of the mind right here and right now, which will be sure to provide fruit in thus very life, irrespective of who you are or what you have done.
He shows how the boundless, open and expensive quality of friendliness and compassion is comparable to being in the formless jhanas, and how compassion can carry one to full awakening if it is enjoined with insight practice and development of the enlightenment factors, such as mindful investigation, energy and so on. There are potentially a few nods to Ajahn Brahms concept of Kindfulness here. A Path with a Heart.
The second topic to be deal with, emptiness, shows from a more analytical perspective, how the aggregates that make up mind and matter can be systematically analysed and put aside as empty, thereby assisting a gradual entry into abiding in emptiness.
Thus compassion and emptiness both come to refer to this boundless exerience of a heart/mind opened wide, clear and unimpeded.
I would recommend to anyone who has at least read Analayos Satipattana book, meditates regularly and is inclined to reflect on and analyse teachings and test against experience.
Analayo is my favourite Buddhist writer, maybe he will be yours too.
May 21, 2025
illuminating as always.
July 3, 2023
Loen selle esialgu “loetuks”, kuigi arvan, et väga suur osa selle raamatu sisust jäi mulle siiski hoomamatuks ( vōi oli siin lihtsalt nii palju informatsiooni, et palju mulle pähe ei jäänud). Igatahes on võrratu mōelda, et on keegi, kes suudaks budistlikest mõtlusharjutusest nii põhjalikult kirjutada. See mõjus kuidagi tōesti üliinimlikult. Ilmeslt ongi kogu selle akadeemilise maailmaga nii, et asjad mida alguses peame nii iseenesestmōistetavaks, on siiski nii palju keerulisemad kui kujutella vōime. Igal sōnal on etümoloogiline kontekst, igal mōttel on sada eelkäijat ja kōik see sünnib mingis kindlas ajas kindlate inimeste poolt.
Aga kindlasti saab seda raamatut vōtta ka lihtsamalt kui mina praegu seda tutvustan, sest oma olemuselt on see ju mõtluspraktikatkäsitlev raamat ja kui keegi otsib mingit raamatut sel teemal, on see raamat selleks ideaalne. Üks inimene tagakaanel tutvusas seda ideaalselt, öeldes, et see raamat seob sujuvalt nii mōtluspraktika maailma ja ka akadeemilist religiooniteaduslikku maailma.
Aga kindlasti saab seda raamatut vōtta ka lihtsamalt kui mina praegu seda tutvustan, sest oma olemuselt on see ju mõtluspraktikatkäsitlev raamat ja kui keegi otsib mingit raamatut sel teemal, on see raamat selleks ideaalne. Üks inimene tagakaanel tutvusas seda ideaalselt, öeldes, et see raamat seob sujuvalt nii mōtluspraktika maailma ja ka akadeemilist religiooniteaduslikku maailma.
January 7, 2025
Bhikkhu Anālayo’s Compassion and Emptiness in Early Buddhist Meditation is a profound study of two central themes in early Buddhist teachings: compassion (karuṇā) and emptiness (suññatā). This book offers a clear, scholarly, and practical guide to understanding these concepts and integrating them into meditation practice.
What stands out most is how well Anālayo combines textual analysis with practical advice. He draws directly from the early Buddhist discourses (the Pali Canon and its parallels), presenting these teachings in a way that’s not only historically accurate but also accessible for modern meditators. His ability to explain complex topics, like the relationship between compassion and emptiness, makes this book a unique resource for anyone looking to deepen their meditation practice.
The practical meditative guidance is particularly valuable. Anālayo doesn’t just leave you with abstract concepts—he provides detailed instructions on how to cultivate compassion and reflect on emptiness in a way that can enhance your practice and understanding. It feels like having a knowledgeable teacher guiding you through the subtleties of early Buddhist meditation.
While the book is written with a scholarly tone, it’s still very readable. That said, if you’re new to Buddhism or meditation, some of the terminology and ideas might take a bit of effort to fully grasp. But for seasoned practitioners or those willing to engage deeply, this book is incredibly rewarding.
If you’re serious about understanding the roots of Buddhist meditation and want to explore compassion and emptiness in depth, Compassion and Emptiness in Early Buddhist Meditation is an essential read. It’s both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching—a rare combination. Highly recommend for dedicated meditators and students of early Buddhism!
What stands out most is how well Anālayo combines textual analysis with practical advice. He draws directly from the early Buddhist discourses (the Pali Canon and its parallels), presenting these teachings in a way that’s not only historically accurate but also accessible for modern meditators. His ability to explain complex topics, like the relationship between compassion and emptiness, makes this book a unique resource for anyone looking to deepen their meditation practice.
The practical meditative guidance is particularly valuable. Anālayo doesn’t just leave you with abstract concepts—he provides detailed instructions on how to cultivate compassion and reflect on emptiness in a way that can enhance your practice and understanding. It feels like having a knowledgeable teacher guiding you through the subtleties of early Buddhist meditation.
While the book is written with a scholarly tone, it’s still very readable. That said, if you’re new to Buddhism or meditation, some of the terminology and ideas might take a bit of effort to fully grasp. But for seasoned practitioners or those willing to engage deeply, this book is incredibly rewarding.
If you’re serious about understanding the roots of Buddhist meditation and want to explore compassion and emptiness in depth, Compassion and Emptiness in Early Buddhist Meditation is an essential read. It’s both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching—a rare combination. Highly recommend for dedicated meditators and students of early Buddhism!
January 13, 2024
Incredible book that has changed my practice and means of thinking particularly concerning the four brahmaviharas and emptiness as described in the Pali suttas. Ven. Bhikkhu Analayo does an expert job of making not only compassion (karuna) but descriptions of the other three divine abodes (loving-kindness/metta, sympathetic joy/mudita, equanimity/upekkha) accessible to anyone with foundational knowledge of Theravada Buddhism. He also clarifies emptiness as described in the suttas and the stages of realizing emptiness, which is certainly distinct in many ways from the emptiness taught in the Mahayana traditions. The practical instructions at the end of the book are priceless and doing the radiation practice even once has shown me how clear Bhante Analayo is in his instruction. I don't doubt that this will change me not only mentally but also in my daily activities. This is a book I will continue to reference and come back to. It's available for free online as a PDF, 10/10 recommend for an experienced meditator or a curious academic.
December 23, 2024
Not the most riveting book club selection, but it's good to test the extent and overlap of a friend group's scholastic comprehension. This was the densest work I read this year, but only because it's so principled in its attribution and loving in its attention to detail. As the saying goes: for every buddhism, there is an equal and opposite buddhism in Southeast Asia. I find it useful to lay out the spectrum of interpretation of the earliest texts and teaching we have in this rich history. There are a few gems of insight and helpful directions on contemplation that keep the reading engaged. Overall a very positive experience, if only to keep self from losing the skill of being able to grapple with such a text.
September 5, 2020
Very clear and profound
This book focuses on the two important teachings of Buddhism, compassion and emptiness. After clearly and systematically deconstructing each of the concepts, the author blended the two together in a very well-interwoven way and finally suggested a practical meditation sequence for cultivating compassion. The important message is that it is possible to attain the wisdom of emptiness through the diligent practice of cultivating compassion.
This book focuses on the two important teachings of Buddhism, compassion and emptiness. After clearly and systematically deconstructing each of the concepts, the author blended the two together in a very well-interwoven way and finally suggested a practical meditation sequence for cultivating compassion. The important message is that it is possible to attain the wisdom of emptiness through the diligent practice of cultivating compassion.
May 27, 2022
My favourite book by Anālayo. It very nicely ties compassion and emptiness together and the meditations laid out in this gem are not just profound, they are also not easy to come by elsewhere: in a retreat setting, from other teachers or from daily meditative explorations on your own. So once more a true value addition by Anālayo.
June 9, 2022
Rigorous academic work on the topics of compassion and emptiness as mentioned in the pali canon and the agamas.
January 5, 2016
Anālayo investigates the meditative practices of compassion and emptiness by examining and interpreting material from the early Buddhist discourses. Similar to his previous study of satipatthāna, he brings a new dimension to our understanding by comparing the Pali texts with versions that have survived in Chinese, Sanskrit and Tibetan. The result is a wide-ranging exploration of what these practices meant in early Buddhism.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews