The Profound Nature of Emptiness and the Liberation of All Beings (03)

The third line of the Heart Sutra delves deeper into the nature of emptiness and its profound implications for our understanding of reality. Let us explore the significance of this line and the wisdom it imparts.

舍利子，是諸法空相，不生不滅，不垢不淨，不增不減。

In this line, Avalokiteshvara addresses Shariputra once again, drawing his attention to the essential nature of all phenomena.

是諸法空相 (shì zhū fǎ kōng xiàng) reveals a crucial truth — all phenomena possess the characteristic of emptiness. This means that fundamentally, all things lack inherent and independent existence. Emptiness is not a void or a mere absence, but rather the absence of inherent, self-existent nature. It is the profound insight that unveils the interdependent and interconnected nature of all phenomena.

不生不滅 (bù shēng bù miè) points out that emptiness transcends the notions of birth and death. Emptiness is not subject to the cycles of creation and destruction, as it is beyond the realm of dualistic concepts. It invites us to contemplate the timeless and unchanging nature of reality.

不垢不淨 (bù gòu bù jìng) highlights that emptiness is neither defiled nor pure. It is free from the constructs of purity or impurity, transcending our ordinary conceptual judgments. Emptiness encompasses all phenomena, beyond the limitations of dualistic notions of good or bad, pure or impure.

不增不減 (bù zēng bù jiǎn) signifies that emptiness neither increases nor decreases. It is beyond the fluctuations of gain and loss, expansion and contraction. Emptiness remains constant and unaffected by any external circumstances or conditions.

This third line of the Heart Sutra directs us to contemplate the profound nature of emptiness, which is not confined to any particular form, state, or quality. Emptiness is the fundamental nature of all phenomena, beyond birth and death, purity and impurity, gain and loss. It is the ultimate truth that reveals the interdependent and interconnected nature of existence.

By realizing the empty nature of all things, we can liberate ourselves from attachment, aversion, and the cycle of suffering. Emptiness offers the path to freedom, inviting us to let go of fixed concepts and embrace the fluidity and interconnectedness of reality.

May the contemplation of this third line of the Heart Sutra deepen our understanding of emptiness and inspire us to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and liberation. May we recognize the profound interconnectedness of all beings and work towards the liberation and well-being of all.