If the world is empty, why practice?
What is emptiness?
When you first hear the word "emptiness" (ku), you might think it means nothingness or nihilism. However, in Buddhism, "emptiness" does not mean that nothing exists. Rather, it means that all things lack a permanent substance or unchanging essence. For example, when we hear names of things like "desk" or "tree," we feel as if they are unchanging. But in reality, both desks and trees change over time, and their materials and forms can also change. In this way, things are constantly changing, and there is no fixed, solid substance that says, "This is it!" This is the basic concept of "emptiness."
If it is empty, why is practice necessary?
When you understand "emptiness," you might think, "If everything is changing, isn't it meaningless to do anything?" However, "emptiness" does not mean meaninglessness. It represents the fact that all things are interconnected. Our actions also have results that affect other people and the environment, and those effects return to us. In Buddhism, this relationship is called the "law of cause and effect." That is precisely why our actions are important.
For example, if you treat a friend kindly, that kindness spreads to those around you and ultimately has a positive effect on your own heart. However, if you treat them with anger or hatred, that also spreads a negative influence. Practice is something we do to review our actions and states of mind in this way, in order to produce better results.
What is the purpose of practice?
In Buddhism, it is believed that the cause of people's suffering lies in "attachment" or "misunderstanding" regarding oneself and things. For example, if you are convinced that you are absolutely right and refuse to accept other opinions, conflict and strife arise. The purpose of practice is to eliminate such mistaken beliefs and to deeply understand the truth of "emptiness."
When you understand the concept of "emptiness," we stop being overly attached to things, and our hearts become flexible. Also, we become able to treat not only ourselves but also other people with kindness, and we can cultivate a heart of compassion. Practice is an important step toward that.
It is precisely because it is empty that practice has meaning.
Ultimately, it is because of "emptiness" that practice has meaning. If everything were fixed and unchanging, the results might not change even if you practiced. However, in a world of "emptiness," our efforts and practice can influence ourselves and the surrounding environment, creating a better future. That is why Buddhism teaches that it is important to polish oneself and have a positive influence on those around us through practice.