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Expert: - 3/20/2008


Question
Hi. From reading the Dalai Lama's books and now Nagarjuna's Precious Garland, I have some knowledge of meditating on emptiness. I find it puzzling to select what to meditate on as empty though, other than the self. I have tried fear, and found this very positive- but then wondered if seeing other people's fear as empty would reduce my compassion. I also wonder if realising my own ignorance as empty would increase pride, and if seeind my own wisdom as empty would decrease the self fulfilling prophecy that leads to being wise etc.. I feel like it is a difficult balancing act, and that I dont want to make mistakes. Do you think it is advisable to meditate on emotions etc.. as empty as a whole, or separately for self and others? I hope some wisdom will come through to me, and ease my dilema. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Ashley,
> reading the Dalai Lama's books and now
> Nagarjuna's Precious Garland
Ooh, well done!
> I have tried fear, and found this very positive
Well done again, if I may say so!

> but then wondered if seeing other people's fear
> as empty would reduce my compassion.
Could it be that you are slipping slightly there into thinking of emptiness as the same as non-existent? Other people fear, so we feel compassion. If we realize that their fear is empty, should we not feel *more* compassion, because their "ignorance" holds them slave to their fear? That should then give us even more motive to free ourselves, so that we can show the way.

> I also wonder if realising my own ignorance as
> empty would increase pride, and if seeind my own
> wisdom as empty would decrease the self fulfilling
> prophecy that leads to being wise etc..
Again, seeing the emptiness of your own ignorance should encourage you - it can be overcome! And seeing the emptiness of your own wisdom is part of *being* wise - it isn't something to cling to and get puffed up about.

> I feel like it is a difficult balancing act
To be sure!

> Do you think it is advisable to meditate on
> emotions etc.. as empty as a whole, or separately
> for self and others?
My suggestion would be to work on any of these angles, whatever is pratical at the time. Would the different approaches perhaps not support each other?
I hope this helps a bit.
Best wishes
Alex Wilding

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Alex Wilding

Expertise

I have practiced and studied Tibetan Buddhism in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions since the early 1970s, and have a good knowledge of theory, history and of the struggles of trying to practice the teachings, including meditation, while leading a normal, modern life. I am also available to provide background information for journalists.

Experience

I have been a practitioner since the early 1970s; have run a small Buddhist centre in the English Midlands and was vice-president of Kagyu Benchen Ling e.V. in Germany, for whom I managed three large Buddhist summer-camps. More importantly, I maintain a habit of personal practice. I am the "owner" of the Kagyu list at Yahoo.

Education/Credentials
My first degree was an M.A. from Oxford. I later obtained a Master of Philosophy degree for a research thesis in "Initiation in Tibetan Buddhism" from Leicester University. I also have engineering and educational qualifications.

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