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Emptiness: A Practical Guide for Meditators
If everything is empty, then what ceases in Nirvana and is born in rebirth? How can you live in the world without feeling trapped by it? Guy Armstrong tackles these questions and more in this richly informed, practical guide to emptiness for the meditator.
It may seem odd for emptiness to serve as the central philosophy of a major religion. In fact, emptiness points to something quite different than “nothingness” or “vacancy.” And by developing a richer understanding of this complex topic, we can experience freedom as we live consciously in the world.
Guy Armstrong has been a leading figure and beloved teacher of insight meditation for decades. In this book, he makes difficult Buddhist topics easy to understand, weaving together Theravada and Mahayana teachings on emptiness to show how we can liberate our minds and manifest compassion in our lives.
It may seem odd for emptiness to serve as the central philosophy of a major religion. In fact, emptiness points to something quite different than “nothingness” or “vacancy.” And by developing a richer understanding of this complex topic, we can experience freedom as we live consciously in the world.
Guy Armstrong has been a leading figure and beloved teacher of insight meditation for decades. In this book, he makes difficult Buddhist topics easy to understand, weaving together Theravada and Mahayana teachings on emptiness to show how we can liberate our minds and manifest compassion in our lives.
328 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2017
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683 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 3, 2018
My knee-jerk reaction to this book was: This is the best book on Buddhism and the Buddhist Path I have ever read; but then again, I tend to lean in that direction about all Buddhist books I read. So, to be fair and to be as objectively subjective as I could be, I had to take a time-out and a few steps back to honestly examine this: Is this book, indeed, the best book on the Buddha’s Path that I have ever read?
The jury is now back in the room: It is.
From the Sherlock Holmes and Country Joe epigraphs and his opening words—“I’ve always liked a good mystery”—Guy Armstrong not only intrigues but inspires a very warm confidence: here’s someone I could spend an afternoon with just talking. And as the tale proceeds, one clearly stated step after the other, you realize that you are, in fact, in the presence of a master—both as Buddhist and as Teacher.
Emptiness is, as most Buddhists are aware, a central (if elusive) theme in the Dhamma and has been addressed in a library of many books and views (some truths, some opinions). No other Teacher, though, in my not-so-very humble opinion, has put this key Teaching and Truth so clearly and so understandably to the reader.
Perhaps I just happened to be in a very fortuitous path-place for this book, yes, the thought crossed my mind, and that this is why I got so much out of it; but I don’t think that is true: I think this book will speak to any seeker, whether novice or experienced. I really do.
At times, reading this book felt like reading myself think—and like a long, smoldering epiphany. At times I could not help laughing, a joyous laugh. I was in the presence of a true Teacher and I was seeing things from new and refreshing angles.
I believe that anyone who reads this book will also laugh joyous laughs.
To say that I recommend this book would be the understatement of the decade.
The jury is now back in the room: It is.
From the Sherlock Holmes and Country Joe epigraphs and his opening words—“I’ve always liked a good mystery”—Guy Armstrong not only intrigues but inspires a very warm confidence: here’s someone I could spend an afternoon with just talking. And as the tale proceeds, one clearly stated step after the other, you realize that you are, in fact, in the presence of a master—both as Buddhist and as Teacher.
Emptiness is, as most Buddhists are aware, a central (if elusive) theme in the Dhamma and has been addressed in a library of many books and views (some truths, some opinions). No other Teacher, though, in my not-so-very humble opinion, has put this key Teaching and Truth so clearly and so understandably to the reader.
Perhaps I just happened to be in a very fortuitous path-place for this book, yes, the thought crossed my mind, and that this is why I got so much out of it; but I don’t think that is true: I think this book will speak to any seeker, whether novice or experienced. I really do.
At times, reading this book felt like reading myself think—and like a long, smoldering epiphany. At times I could not help laughing, a joyous laugh. I was in the presence of a true Teacher and I was seeing things from new and refreshing angles.
I believe that anyone who reads this book will also laugh joyous laughs.
To say that I recommend this book would be the understatement of the decade.
January 3, 2018
This is one of my favorite books that attempts to explain a topic that is very hard to grasp--emptiness. This book is for people who enjoy reading about Buddhism and trying to put into practice its teachings. Guy Armstrong tackles the concept of emptiness from many different angles, and the meditation practices he suggests are very helpful in getting a better handle on emptiness. The book is well laid out and quite readable, so I am sure I will give it a second read since the concepts are thought provoking and can serve to increase the value of meditation.
September 28, 2019
Trojan Horse Buddhism
The title isn't necessarily accurate, but I think we're fortunate for that. The meditation instructions at the end of some sections are indeed a practical guide for meditators, but the book truly is Trojan horse Buddhism.
It's the most practical, and easy to digest book on Buddhism I've ever read. May possibly be my favorite book in this lifetime, simply for showing me how to implement Buddhist practices in my life.
I'm grateful for stumbling into it, and hopefully someone else gains a similar experience to me when they pick it up.
The title isn't necessarily accurate, but I think we're fortunate for that. The meditation instructions at the end of some sections are indeed a practical guide for meditators, but the book truly is Trojan horse Buddhism.
It's the most practical, and easy to digest book on Buddhism I've ever read. May possibly be my favorite book in this lifetime, simply for showing me how to implement Buddhist practices in my life.
I'm grateful for stumbling into it, and hopefully someone else gains a similar experience to me when they pick it up.
February 20, 2018
Basic manual on the five aggregates. Would like to see the topic discussed with more depth. Language used lacked nuance and deep understanding. Prior to reading this I had read Rodney Smith’s book on no-self, which showed a more mature understanding of awareness. Will return to this again to see if I appreciate it more.
February 22, 2018
One of the better books I've read outlining Buddhist thought and philosophy (and I've read many). Armstrong has a deep and thorough understanding and awareness of Buddhist teachings and is able to share complex insights in language that is easy to take in and digest. At least through 2/3 of the book. I began to run out of gas in the final section. Regardless, I highly recommend this book and will refer back to it myself, re-read passages often. I was really struck by his writing on "not-self" and the nonexistence of "I" and how thoughts are as vaporous and non-real as dreams. He clearly describes how we perceive our own reality in our minds, and he writes about the relationship between the inner "me", the "outer world" and the realm that is "no-thing".
November 22, 2017
Great
Very good book on emptiness. Really enjoyed the first 2/3. The last 1/3 was more complex and it will definitely require more reading on my part. Overall, Guy created a good accessible book. I especially like the meditations. Already I've applied some of these concepts to my life and I've found them to be quite helpful (if not liberating).
Very good book on emptiness. Really enjoyed the first 2/3. The last 1/3 was more complex and it will definitely require more reading on my part. Overall, Guy created a good accessible book. I especially like the meditations. Already I've applied some of these concepts to my life and I've found them to be quite helpful (if not liberating).
January 22, 2024
SUFFERING IS ONLY THE FRICTION BETWEEN WHAT IS AND WHAT IS WANTED.
BUDDHISM VIEWS SELF-CENTEREDNESS AS THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF SUFFERING.
ABIDING IN EMPTINESS. WE THEN HALT THE FLOOD OF THE STREAM OF THOUGHTS. STOPPING THIS FLOW OF REACTIVITY ALLOWS US TO SEE REALITY CLEARLY.
WHEN WE CLING TO SOMETHING, THE CLINGING (AT SOME POINT IN TIME) WILL BECOME EITHER A TEST OF OUR COMMITMENT TO AWAKEN OR ELSE A SOURCE OF SUFFERING.
BEING AWARE IS AN EXCELLENT PRACTICE TO STRENGTHEN THE PRACTICE OF UNDOING. THIS PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS BOTH THE ROLE OF EFFORT - RETURNING TO PRACTICE AFTER BEING DISTRACTED - AND NON-EFFORT - RESTING AFTER RECOGNISING THE UNION OF EMPTINESS AND AWARENESS.
ABANDON THE UNWHOLESOME, DEVELOP THE WHOLESOME. WHEN WE DO THIS WE EXPERIENCE A MUCH GREATER SENSE OF HARMONY AND AN ABSENCE OF CONFLICT.
WE DONT HAVE TO SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH - TO SEE THE FALSE AS THE FALSE IS TO DISCOVER THE TRUTH.
SUFFERING IS ONLY THE FRICTION BETWEEN WHAT IS AND WHAT IS WANTED.
WHY WOULD WE ENGAGE IN THOUGHT ACTIVITY THAT IS SO OFTEN RESTLESS, UPSETTING, DISTURBING AND PAINFUL? BECAUSE THE ALTERNATIVE IS FEARED EVEN WORSE - IT IS SEEING AN ASPECT OF THE TRUTH OF EMPTINESS.
ACTIONS DONE FROM A WHOLESOME INTENTION GIVE RISE TO FUTURE RESULTS THAT ARE WISHED FOR, DESIRED, AGREEABLE = KARMA.
THE MIDDLE WAY CAN BE SEEN AS THE WAY BETWEEN INACTIVITY AND EGOIC STRIVING.
RETURN TO SEEING THE UNION OF EMPTINESS AND AWARENESS (BUDDHA EMPTINESS)
ALL UNWHOLESOME TENDENCIES OF MIND COME FROM GREED, AVERSION AND DELUSION ROOTS = CRAVINGS.
Close observation = meditation.
As we practice abiding in emptiness, we strengthen the mind's ability to see clearly its own movements, because they stand out in strong contrast to the underlying peace.
The world is full of obvious thing which nobody by chance ever observes - Sherlock Holmes.
The observor is the observed.
Train yourself to pay close attention to the sense bases, over and over, increasing the likelihood we'll see how suffering is created and how it can be released.
Perception refers to the act of conceptualisation -naming and categorising an object
When we are distracted make an effort, when we are not distracted don't make an effort. Doing, not doing.
Seeing the fact of impermanence undermines our tendency to hold on.
We hold on tightly to things in an attempt to find security, but because the world is always in flux, this effort is ultimately unsuccessful.
When we are attached to something we become dependent and lean on it, and when it changes part of our foundation is shaken.
The keys that unlock the mystery are; observation, inquiry and reflection.
The belief in self carries with it four flawed assumptions that we have adopted unconsciously; continuity, independence, control and singleness.
The assumption of continuity leads to the fear of death.
In meditation we will simply pay attention to sights, sounds, smells, tastes sensations, thoughts and emotions as the way to stay most closely in touch with reality.
A pleasant feeling ignites greed. An unpleasant feeling ignites aversion. A neutral feeling activated delusion: I can overlook that. All are the force of craving. Once craving is activated we are on the road to suffering. Craving almost always leads to grasping. When we operate from craving everything that touches us gets graded on the scale from pleasure to pain. We measure everything.
In enlightenment the sense of self goes completely.
When we move in the direction away from unwholesome actions (lying, gossip, stealing, killing, greed, ill will, delusion) we experience a much greater sense of harmony and an absence of conflict.
Wholesome actions (perfections needed for awakening); generosity, virtue, renunciation, wisdom, energy, patience, truthfulness, determination, loving-kindness, equanimity.
Speculation and guilt don’t lead to wholesome states of mind, yielding no beneficial results. They should be abandoned out of compassion for oneself.
When we see the emptiness of things we only feel the reality of the momentary flash.
The more deeply we understand the emptiness of phenomena - their fleeting unsubstantial nature - the less we are bothered by them.
When the mind isn’t preoccupied with self-concern, the heart is moved by the suffering we see in the lives of others.
Physical space accommodates objects, but it doesnt know them. The space of awareness accommodates objects and knows them. Awareness is always knowing, it cannot not know.
Awareness is like a clear mirror; when an object appears, it is reflected accurately.
To stay or rest means we give up any kind of purposeful effort.
Certainly the mind has to be developed through right effort, so the factors of concentration, wisdom, dis-attachment, and dispassion are strong. But once those factors have been bought to maturity, nothing more can be done by effort - we simply abide in emptiness and without expectation. The breakthrough to nibbana comes as grace.
Mediators often report that seeing union of emptiness and awareness brings presence, interest, ease and a relaxation that comes from not being fixated on any things that are being known. The lack of motivation to grasp, or even crave, brings a sense of lightness and relief of the heart, and a sense of freedom opens up.
Sunlight continues to pervade the empty space, ready for the next object to come and be illuminated. Its not the light itself that should be the focus, but the means whereby the other things that it strikes are seen.
Awareness is fundamentally empty, and it is this basic emptiness that creates the space for phenomenon to arise and depart. Awareness's emptiness allows all things to come into being.
Awareness has no motivation - it simply functions to reveal things in a completely impartial way.
The physical body is born in separation, lives in separation and dies in separation. By equating the body with "I" this view leads to fear and isolation.
As long as we are willing to reconnect with the present moment each time we wake up from one of the thought excursions, the meditation will continue to develop.
We have a habitual tendency to move from direct sense experience into thinking about the experience.
We have a tendency to find fault in meditation. Often an underlying mood or insufficiency or discontent that leads us to want a different moment.
Memory and imagination should serve us, not rule us.
The sense of self is dependent on the restless activity of thinking.
The maturity of the insight into no-self is to see the uniqueness of individual experience but without the sense of separation created by concepts of self and other.
In the beginning the intention to be mindful seems to produce little result, but over time it produces tremendous power (compound interest).
We abide in emptiness by withdrawing our mental energy and attention away from sense objects.
An empty mind doesn't mean that nothing is present in the mind, but rather than nothing is stuck there.
Exercise enough restraint that the habit of wanting doesn't build up.
Awareness of awareness gives a focus for attention, a thing to come back to again and again.
Grasping creates the sense of self.
BUDDHISM VIEWS SELF-CENTEREDNESS AS THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF SUFFERING.
ABIDING IN EMPTINESS. WE THEN HALT THE FLOOD OF THE STREAM OF THOUGHTS. STOPPING THIS FLOW OF REACTIVITY ALLOWS US TO SEE REALITY CLEARLY.
WHEN WE CLING TO SOMETHING, THE CLINGING (AT SOME POINT IN TIME) WILL BECOME EITHER A TEST OF OUR COMMITMENT TO AWAKEN OR ELSE A SOURCE OF SUFFERING.
BEING AWARE IS AN EXCELLENT PRACTICE TO STRENGTHEN THE PRACTICE OF UNDOING. THIS PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS BOTH THE ROLE OF EFFORT - RETURNING TO PRACTICE AFTER BEING DISTRACTED - AND NON-EFFORT - RESTING AFTER RECOGNISING THE UNION OF EMPTINESS AND AWARENESS.
ABANDON THE UNWHOLESOME, DEVELOP THE WHOLESOME. WHEN WE DO THIS WE EXPERIENCE A MUCH GREATER SENSE OF HARMONY AND AN ABSENCE OF CONFLICT.
WE DONT HAVE TO SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH - TO SEE THE FALSE AS THE FALSE IS TO DISCOVER THE TRUTH.
SUFFERING IS ONLY THE FRICTION BETWEEN WHAT IS AND WHAT IS WANTED.
WHY WOULD WE ENGAGE IN THOUGHT ACTIVITY THAT IS SO OFTEN RESTLESS, UPSETTING, DISTURBING AND PAINFUL? BECAUSE THE ALTERNATIVE IS FEARED EVEN WORSE - IT IS SEEING AN ASPECT OF THE TRUTH OF EMPTINESS.
ACTIONS DONE FROM A WHOLESOME INTENTION GIVE RISE TO FUTURE RESULTS THAT ARE WISHED FOR, DESIRED, AGREEABLE = KARMA.
THE MIDDLE WAY CAN BE SEEN AS THE WAY BETWEEN INACTIVITY AND EGOIC STRIVING.
RETURN TO SEEING THE UNION OF EMPTINESS AND AWARENESS (BUDDHA EMPTINESS)
ALL UNWHOLESOME TENDENCIES OF MIND COME FROM GREED, AVERSION AND DELUSION ROOTS = CRAVINGS.
Close observation = meditation.
As we practice abiding in emptiness, we strengthen the mind's ability to see clearly its own movements, because they stand out in strong contrast to the underlying peace.
The world is full of obvious thing which nobody by chance ever observes - Sherlock Holmes.
The observor is the observed.
Train yourself to pay close attention to the sense bases, over and over, increasing the likelihood we'll see how suffering is created and how it can be released.
Perception refers to the act of conceptualisation -naming and categorising an object
When we are distracted make an effort, when we are not distracted don't make an effort. Doing, not doing.
Seeing the fact of impermanence undermines our tendency to hold on.
We hold on tightly to things in an attempt to find security, but because the world is always in flux, this effort is ultimately unsuccessful.
When we are attached to something we become dependent and lean on it, and when it changes part of our foundation is shaken.
The keys that unlock the mystery are; observation, inquiry and reflection.
The belief in self carries with it four flawed assumptions that we have adopted unconsciously; continuity, independence, control and singleness.
The assumption of continuity leads to the fear of death.
In meditation we will simply pay attention to sights, sounds, smells, tastes sensations, thoughts and emotions as the way to stay most closely in touch with reality.
A pleasant feeling ignites greed. An unpleasant feeling ignites aversion. A neutral feeling activated delusion: I can overlook that. All are the force of craving. Once craving is activated we are on the road to suffering. Craving almost always leads to grasping. When we operate from craving everything that touches us gets graded on the scale from pleasure to pain. We measure everything.
In enlightenment the sense of self goes completely.
When we move in the direction away from unwholesome actions (lying, gossip, stealing, killing, greed, ill will, delusion) we experience a much greater sense of harmony and an absence of conflict.
Wholesome actions (perfections needed for awakening); generosity, virtue, renunciation, wisdom, energy, patience, truthfulness, determination, loving-kindness, equanimity.
Speculation and guilt don’t lead to wholesome states of mind, yielding no beneficial results. They should be abandoned out of compassion for oneself.
When we see the emptiness of things we only feel the reality of the momentary flash.
The more deeply we understand the emptiness of phenomena - their fleeting unsubstantial nature - the less we are bothered by them.
When the mind isn’t preoccupied with self-concern, the heart is moved by the suffering we see in the lives of others.
Physical space accommodates objects, but it doesnt know them. The space of awareness accommodates objects and knows them. Awareness is always knowing, it cannot not know.
Awareness is like a clear mirror; when an object appears, it is reflected accurately.
To stay or rest means we give up any kind of purposeful effort.
Certainly the mind has to be developed through right effort, so the factors of concentration, wisdom, dis-attachment, and dispassion are strong. But once those factors have been bought to maturity, nothing more can be done by effort - we simply abide in emptiness and without expectation. The breakthrough to nibbana comes as grace.
Mediators often report that seeing union of emptiness and awareness brings presence, interest, ease and a relaxation that comes from not being fixated on any things that are being known. The lack of motivation to grasp, or even crave, brings a sense of lightness and relief of the heart, and a sense of freedom opens up.
Sunlight continues to pervade the empty space, ready for the next object to come and be illuminated. Its not the light itself that should be the focus, but the means whereby the other things that it strikes are seen.
Awareness is fundamentally empty, and it is this basic emptiness that creates the space for phenomenon to arise and depart. Awareness's emptiness allows all things to come into being.
Awareness has no motivation - it simply functions to reveal things in a completely impartial way.
The physical body is born in separation, lives in separation and dies in separation. By equating the body with "I" this view leads to fear and isolation.
As long as we are willing to reconnect with the present moment each time we wake up from one of the thought excursions, the meditation will continue to develop.
We have a habitual tendency to move from direct sense experience into thinking about the experience.
We have a tendency to find fault in meditation. Often an underlying mood or insufficiency or discontent that leads us to want a different moment.
Memory and imagination should serve us, not rule us.
The sense of self is dependent on the restless activity of thinking.
The maturity of the insight into no-self is to see the uniqueness of individual experience but without the sense of separation created by concepts of self and other.
In the beginning the intention to be mindful seems to produce little result, but over time it produces tremendous power (compound interest).
We abide in emptiness by withdrawing our mental energy and attention away from sense objects.
An empty mind doesn't mean that nothing is present in the mind, but rather than nothing is stuck there.
Exercise enough restraint that the habit of wanting doesn't build up.
Awareness of awareness gives a focus for attention, a thing to come back to again and again.
Grasping creates the sense of self.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2024
Emptiness as a concept of space vs scarcity. The beauty of emptiness is that it is clean and absent of unnecessary desires or apprehensions or attachments. Emptiness in a full comprehensive analysis for meditation, I loved the link to eastern philosophies and concepts, it is beautiful to read and also have moments of meditation with the book as well. I read this book before doing Vipassana and honestly it made sense until I lived this experience and connected the theory/ techniques described in this book in my personal practice.
September 25, 2018
"Emptiness A Practical Guide to Meditation" brings into close focus the major tenets of Buddhism of "Not-Self," "consciousness," (as contrasted to "awareness"), reincarnation, individuality, the practical aspects of Buddhism and the various Buddhist meditation techniques. The most provocative and the most misunderstood tenet of "Not-Self" does not imply the denial of individuality but, in contrast, explains that individuality is a fluid "stream of continuity of experience that is linked to successive incarnations. As Nisgardatta states that "Reality" is in every "I am" and the "I am" is preserved and glorified Diversity without Separateness. This is a compelling and provocative book which gives clear insight into the very complex philosophy of Buddhism. I would highly recommend it.
March 8, 2021
After reading some of the suttas directly (Bodhi's "In the Buddha's Words"), I felt like I wanted someone to explain things to me in more modern, relatable terms. All the Buddhist lists can be hard to bring to life. You know they're deep, but you look at them and they just seem so self-evident; the terms seem so outlandish and technical that you just don't know what to do with them.
This book did just that for me. I really admire Guy Armstrong's ability to write a book that is accessible to beginners even though it leads you all the way into the deepest end of Buddhist practice, and I appreciate his ability to describe topics that seem daunting in a way that is accessible without being overly-simplified or condescending. I found his style of explaining things worked extremely well for me - mixing direct quotes with his own crystal-clear explications and peppering in stories from his own life or those of his students. To me, he really seems to have a special skill for being able to describe subtle, extremely complex ideas in ways that are shockingly clear and easy to grasp even for someone who has only been meditating for about a year (grasp intellectually, of course - not claiming this book gave me any kind of spontaneous enlightenment experience :-P).
In short, I highly recommend this book - the prose alone is a joy, but I especially recommend it for anyone who wants to take a deep, deep dive in Buddhist wisdom.
This book did just that for me. I really admire Guy Armstrong's ability to write a book that is accessible to beginners even though it leads you all the way into the deepest end of Buddhist practice, and I appreciate his ability to describe topics that seem daunting in a way that is accessible without being overly-simplified or condescending. I found his style of explaining things worked extremely well for me - mixing direct quotes with his own crystal-clear explications and peppering in stories from his own life or those of his students. To me, he really seems to have a special skill for being able to describe subtle, extremely complex ideas in ways that are shockingly clear and easy to grasp even for someone who has only been meditating for about a year (grasp intellectually, of course - not claiming this book gave me any kind of spontaneous enlightenment experience :-P).
In short, I highly recommend this book - the prose alone is a joy, but I especially recommend it for anyone who wants to take a deep, deep dive in Buddhist wisdom.
May 26, 2019
This type of book is beneficial especially after several readings over a period of years. I've read it once in a kalyanamitta group discussion and will revisit again in time. Well worth deeply exploring.
August 31, 2023
Ever since I encountered Buddhism as a teenager, I’ve been a dharma book fiend. I’m 50 now. My library is intimidating, even to me. (And you are right -- all this study ought to be balanced by vastly more practice!) Reading this book a 4th time, surgically, with all the attention I can muster, with so much pleasure and relief, making new discoveries every time, I want to pipe up and say -- this is an incomparable book! So skillful and precise, so readable and warm. It seems impossible that I could have a favorite dharma book after 35 years, but I think I do -- this is it.
Most important : I worry this book scares people off. People think, “Oh that’s for the experts, the advanced students, the good meditators!” No, no, no. Please reconsider. Even if you feel like this planet’s worst Buddhist, even if your meditation sucks, and your practice of morality is a scandal -- read this book! It will still help!
What I discovered when I read this book is that even an intellectual, shallow, superficial, half-assed, partial understanding of emptiness -- is a big help, a big relief, a big push toward happiness and letting go of suffering. Took me awhile to figure that out. For awhile I just thought it was a magic book. Because I felt so much better after reading it. Even on my worst days. That’s silly, of course : no magic required. It turns out that even a glimpse of understanding is really that powerful.
With a deep bow, I give thanks to this book, which has helped me so much, to Guy Armstrong, its author, and to my teacher, Radha Nicholson, who first told me to read it.
Most important : I worry this book scares people off. People think, “Oh that’s for the experts, the advanced students, the good meditators!” No, no, no. Please reconsider. Even if you feel like this planet’s worst Buddhist, even if your meditation sucks, and your practice of morality is a scandal -- read this book! It will still help!
What I discovered when I read this book is that even an intellectual, shallow, superficial, half-assed, partial understanding of emptiness -- is a big help, a big relief, a big push toward happiness and letting go of suffering. Took me awhile to figure that out. For awhile I just thought it was a magic book. Because I felt so much better after reading it. Even on my worst days. That’s silly, of course : no magic required. It turns out that even a glimpse of understanding is really that powerful.
With a deep bow, I give thanks to this book, which has helped me so much, to Guy Armstrong, its author, and to my teacher, Radha Nicholson, who first told me to read it.
May 17, 2020
When All is said and done all is good
I found this book very easy to read. I think his understanding of emptiness is quite clear. It is refreshing to read somebody's views that obviously come from a wide cross-section of different communities and different systems of Buddhist thought. This author is
speaking from both an intellectual and an experiential perspective giving it quite a balanced overview. A good contribution to awakening education and training . 3 stars rating I hope will encourage him to keep writing .
I found this book very easy to read. I think his understanding of emptiness is quite clear. It is refreshing to read somebody's views that obviously come from a wide cross-section of different communities and different systems of Buddhist thought. This author is
speaking from both an intellectual and an experiential perspective giving it quite a balanced overview. A good contribution to awakening education and training . 3 stars rating I hope will encourage him to keep writing .
July 15, 2021
Skeptics stay away! There's nothing here for you if you're a person of science. The entire book is just one nonsensical platitude after another. I wouldn't recommend spending money on this.
Although if you're a fan of Buddhism, you'll probably like it? Since I've seen a lot of people of that sorts raving about it.
Although if you're a fan of Buddhism, you'll probably like it? Since I've seen a lot of people of that sorts raving about it.
August 9, 2019
Easy to read yet thorough explanation of the principles and practice of Buddhist emptiness. Practical, clear and an excellent guide for those who already have a fairly deep meditation habit. Fantastic.
December 22, 2019
I feel like I need to read the last part of this book with more understanding. I don't quite understand the need of balancing compassion and emptiness, although I realize that lovingkindness and insight meditation need to work with one another.
August 14, 2021
A very informed and well expressed book. Armstrong illuminates The concept if Nibanna in a way that is most beneficial to westerners One of my favourite and most impactful Buddhist books that I have read. Highly recommended especially for those who have been practicing for some time.
October 20, 2021
Excellent book, connected a lot of dots for me. One of the best books I’ve read on understanding the teaching of emptiness. Will need to re-read down the road to get a better understanding of the concepts.
April 28, 2018
Found this a very useful, readable and inspiring read
June 6, 2018
Gained so many more insights reading & discussing with a group over 9 months... it's that deep
June 20, 2018
A good read on emptiness from the perspective of Buddhist philosophy.
July 15, 2018
Buddhism blends with Hinduism and Yoga on the stone bed of Christian morals. After all there is only one Truth, right?
September 8, 2018
helpful
i think i finally get an idea what this central idea is about. its written very simply and to the point. thanks mr/ms author.
i think i finally get an idea what this central idea is about. its written very simply and to the point. thanks mr/ms author.
November 13, 2019
As a beginner's introduction to the Buddhist concept of Emptiness, it's very good. But it's rather lacking as a "practical" guide.
December 13, 2020
Beautiful book. I just couldn't connect with it.
April 11, 2021
I read this book for a class I am taking. The first part was accessible and insightful, but most of the book was overly repetitive and difficult to process.
December 30, 2021
Very good, a book I’ll revisit in the future.
Allowing the present moment to unfold as it will.
Allowing the present moment to unfold as it will.
March 18, 2023
Buenísimo para entender mejor el concepto de vacuidad/emptiness
October 25, 2023
I'm sure this is a wonderful book. I am just not interested in formal or classical Buddhism.
February 23, 2025
I feel like I could read this book a few more times and would get a lot new out of it with each read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews