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From Emptiness to Non-violence
The teaching on Sunyata (Emptiness) helps human beings transcend notions and wrong perceptions about themselves and others, reminding us that the truth is “not like that” (neti, neti). Instead of seeking freedom by separating to establish a private temple only to be bound by material worries, practitioners need to practice “sharing the same insights,” nourishing insight within the Sangha, and learning to rejoice in the success of brothers and sisters. True happiness comes from looking at all things with the eyes of the Buddha, a heritage transmitted continuously through generations, helping to dismantle all boundaries of separation and to transform suffering.
The Diamond Sutra teaches about four basic notions that must be transcended to attain the insight of nonself and to practice deep environmental protection:
- The notion of self.
- The notion of human being: humans (Homo sapiens) have only been present for 500,000 years compared to life appearing 540 million years ago, so humans are not the masters but are made of non-human elements.
- The notion of living beings: the boundary between sentient and non-sentient beings is very difficult to distinguish.
- The notion of life span: life is not limited to the period from birth to death.
At the same time, the Three Doors of Liberation (Three Samadhis) comprising Emptiness, Signlessness, and Aimlessness help the practitioner touch the ultimate dimension, realizing that the construction work of eons has been completed and one can dwell happily in the present moment. To address the increasing violence in modern society, the Dharma door of non-violence (ahimsa) needs to be offered and practiced by three specific groups:
- Parents.
- Children.
- Teachers.
