On Emptiness - Adele Tomlin

In this month’s Dharma Talk, Adele Tomlin gives an overview of two views of emptiness, “empty-of-other” (zhentong) and “empty of self” (rangtong), with the former considered the “higher” ultimate view of reality, or the Buddha Nature. Adele outlines the key differences between the two views, developed by Tibetan Buddhist scholars and masters, and how they connect with the definitive and provisional meaning of Buddha’s teachings. She then explains the importance of understanding these two views of emptiness for meditative practice.
“In the nature of mind there is no stain. There is not the slightest conceptual fabrication in the mind’s true nature, and that is why the mind is known as “empty-of-other,” zhentong. Since that ineffable nature of mind of every single sentient being is clear light and since the essence of this clear light is free of the slightest stain that arises due to dualistic fixations and mental constructs, one can develop the vast understanding that the one who apprehends (the subject) and what is apprehended (object) have the same essence. Knowing this enables practitioners to develop inconceivable compassion and a pure vision of reality. Knowing that relative appearances are “empty-of-self” identity and knowing that the mind’s true nature is “empty-of-other,” a sincere practitioner no longer slips into garments that are extreme views about arising or cessation.
Seeing that all phenomena that can be apprehended are empty of their own essence, one no longer clings to the extreme of permanence. Seeing that the mind’s true nature is replete with many invaluable qualities that manifests spontaneously and naturally, one no longer clings to the extreme of nihilism or cessation. Since all relative phenomena that appear are empty of any inherent self or identity, one can conclude that the mind that apprehends and conceives relative appearances is also empty of an identity. Since the mind’s true nature transcends what can be accomplished, affirmed, or refuted, then what one thinks must be accomplished and what one thinks must be abandoned are always and already pure and free.
Watch the full Dharma Talk at tricycle.org/dharmatalks/Adele-Tomlin-emptiness

[@GadenNyonpa]

Interesting to see the modern liking for this presentation. I encouraged anyone interested in this subject to look into the meaning of the two negations, and to identify through listening, contemplation, and personal experience what exactly these "two extremes" are talking about.