Emptiness 空性

In Buddhist philosophy, "Emptiness" is a profound and central concept, particularly emphasized in Mahayana Buddhism. It does not imply "nothingness" or the absence of existence. Instead, it points to the idea that all phenomena, such as success and failure, gain and loss, victory and defeat, poverty and wealth, noble and base, beauty and ugliness, life and death, etc., are not inherent or independent existences. In other words, everything exists interdependently, arising through causes and conditions, and is fundamentally impermanent and subject to change.
在佛教哲學中，「空性」是一個深刻而核心的概念，大乘佛教尤其強調這一點。它並不意味著“虛無”或不存在。相反，它指出一切現象，例如成敗、得失、勝負、貧富、貴賤、美醜、生死等等，都不是固有或獨立存在的。換句話說，一切事物都是相互依存、因緣而生，本質上都是無常且變化的。

Imagine a clay pot please! At first glance, it seems like the pot is a solid, independent object. But upon deeper examination, its existence depends on many conditions: the clay, the potter, the tools, the fire, and even the space inside it, which gives it its usefulness. The clay pot is not inherently "a clay pot" by itself, but a temporary arrangement of causes and conditions. Without these elements, it could never be a clay pot.
請想像出一個陶罐。乍一看，這個罐子似乎是一個堅固的、獨立的物體。但經過深入研究，它的存在取決於許多條件：黏土、陶工、工具、火，甚至它內部的空間，這些都賦予了它用途。陶罐並非本來就是“陶罐”，而是因緣條件暫時安排而成的。如果沒有這些元素，它就不可能成為一個陶罐。

This interconnected nature of the clay pot reflects "Emptiness": Lacks of an inherent and fixed essence. Its existence is entirely dependent on other factors. Similarly, all things and phenomena in life arise and exist interdependently, with no intrinsic or permanent identity.

陶罐的這種相互連結的特性反映了「空性」：缺乏內在的並且固定的本質。它的存在完全依賴其他因素。同樣，生活中的所有事物和現像都是相互依存、相互產生的，沒有內在或永恆的特性。

Again! Think about the relationship between a parent and a child. At first, we might see the parent as an independent entity and the child as another. But the identity of "parent" can only exist because of the child, and vice versa—their roles arise interdependently. Without one, the other has no meaning in this context.
再來！思考一下父母與孩子之間的關係。一開始，我們可能會將父母視為一個獨立的實體，而將孩子視為另一個實體。但「父母」的身份只有因為孩子而存在，反之亦然 -- 他們的角色是相互依存的。如果缺少了其中一個，那麼另一個在這個脈絡中就沒有意義。

This illustrates Emptiness of the identities because neither the parent nor the child has an intrinsic identity independent of the other. Their existence as "parent" or "child" is relational and mutual dependence, which is shaped by causes and conditions.

這就說明了身分的空性，因為父母和孩子都沒有獨立於對方的內在身分。他們作為「父母」或「孩子」的存在是一種關係和相互依賴，是由原因和條件形成的。

Emptiness teaches us to transcend rigid notions of reality and self-identity, guiding practitioners to see the world as fluid, interconnected, and free from fixed boundaries. This understanding serves as a cornerstone for cultivating wisdom and compassion, as the ignorance of emptiness in reality often leads to suffering.
空性教導我們超越現實和自我認同的僵化觀念，引導修行者將世界視為流動的、相互連結的、沒有固定界線的。這種理解是培養智慧和同情心的基石，因為對現實中的空性缺乏認知常常會導致痛苦。

The ultimate realization of Emptiness is not merely intellectual; it is a direct experience that transforms how one perceives and engages with life. Through practices such as Zen meditation and mindfulness, one begins to see the interdependent nature of existence and to embrace the freedom and peace that arises from letting go of clinging and false notions of permanence.
最終對空性的認知不僅僅是理性的；這是一種直接的體驗，可以改變人們看待和參與生活的方式。透過禪修和正念等練習，人們開始看到存在的相互依存性，並接受放棄執著和錯誤的永恆觀念而產生的自由與和平。

Zen meditation 禪修

Zen meditation, or Zazen, is a practice that emphasizes observing one's thoughts. It is never emptying one's mind during practice as other mainstream meditation practices suggest. The goal of Zen meditation is to increase awareness and insight into the nature of the mind and heart. Here are some reasons for taking this approach:

禪修，或坐禪，是一種強調觀察自己思想的修行。它絕不像其他主流冥想練習所建議的那樣在練習過程中清空大腦。禪修的目的是提高對思想和心靈本質的認識和洞察力。以下是採用這種方法的一些原因：

Understanding the Nature of Thought: Observing thoughts allows practitioners to gain insights into the nature of their own minds. It reveals how thoughts are transient and impermanent, helping individuals to understand that they are not their thoughts. This realization can reduce attachment and aversion to thoughts and emotions.

了解思想的本質：思想的觀察可以讓修行者洞察自己思想的本質。它揭示了思想是如何短暫和無常的，並幫助人們理解這些思想不是他們的想法。認識這一點可以減少對思想和情感的執著和厭惡。

Cultivating Non-attachment: By recognizing thoughts without judgment (that is, let the thoughts without identification, such as good or bad), practitioners learn to let go of attachments and judgments. This non-attachment can lead to greater emotional resilience and a sense of inner peace.

培養不執著：透過對想法不帶批判（即對想法不做好壞等識別）的認識，修行者學會放下執著和評判。這種不執著可以帶來更強的情緒復原力和內心的平靜感。

Encouraging a Non-dual Perspective: There is a focus on the non-dual nature of reality in Zen meditation, where the distinctions between self and other, and thought and experience, blur. Observing thoughts helps cultivate a perspective that transcends binary thinking. This can lead to a more compassionate and non-judgmental attitude towards oneself and others without unnecessary resistance.

鼓勵非二元視角：禪修注重現實中的非二元性，其中自我與他人、思想與經驗之間的界線變得模糊。觀察思想有助於培養超越二元思維的觀點。這可以為自己和他人帶來更加富有同情心和不帶批判的態度，並且不會產生不必要的阻力。

Developing Concentration and Insight: The practice of self-observation helps enhance concentration and insight. It encourages mindfulness, which is the practice of being fully present and aware at each moment. This is the wisdom and core teachings of Buddhism and is seen as a path to enlightenment that helps in living a more conscious and intentional life.

培養專注力和洞察力：在自我觀察上的實踐有助於提高專注力和洞察力。這鼓勵正念，即在每一刻都全心投入並保持警覺的練習。這是佛教的智慧和核心教義，有助於過著更有意識和更有目的的生活，是通往開悟的道路。

In essence, Buddhist Zen meditation aims to develop a profound understanding of the mind and achieve a state of awareness, peace, and insight. It's a journey of self-discovery and transformation through mindful observation that guides practitioners toward insight and enlightenment ultimately.

從本質上來說，佛教禪修的目的是加深對心靈的理解，並達到一種覺知、平和和洞察的狀態。這是一段透過專注觀察進行自我發現和轉變的旅程，最終引導修行者獲得洞察力和啟蒙。