meaning of sunyata ?

General discussion, particularly exploring the Dharma in the modern world.
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wongsor
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Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2012 4:45 pm

meaning of sunyata ?

Post by wongsor »

Can anybody explain the term sunyata is ? and how do we actually relate them to the panca skhandas ?
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viniketa
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Location: USA

Re: meaning of sunyata ?

Post by viniketa »

You might wish to start here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C5%ABnyat%C4%81" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If they can sever like and dislike, along with greed, anger, and delusion, regardless of their difference in nature, they will all accomplish the Buddha Path.. ~ Sutra of Complete Enlightenment
oldbob
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Joined: Sun May 06, 2012 8:19 am

Re: meaning of sunyata ?

Post by oldbob »

wongsor wrote:Can anybody explain the term sunyata is ? and how do we actually relate them to the panca skhandas ?
Dear wongsor, all and ALL,

--- and part 2 of your question:

"No essence

The aggregates don't constitute any 'essence'. In the Samyutta Nikaya, the Buddha explains this by using the simile of a chariot:

A 'chariot' exists on the basis of the aggregation of parts, even so the concept of 'being' exists when the five aggregates are available.[12]

Just as the concept of "chariot" is a reification, so too is the concept of "being". The constituents of being too are unsubstantial in that they are causally produced, just like the chariot as a whole.[13]

The chariot metaphor is not an exercise in ontology, but rather a caution against ontological theorizing and conceptual realism.[14] Part of the Buddha's general approach to language was to point towards its conventional nature, and to undermine the misleading character of nouns as substance-words.[15]"

from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skandha" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Best,

ob
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