Buddhism Quote by Sister Chan Khong
““In Buddhism, the word “emptiness” is a translation of the Sanskrit sunyata. It means “empty of a separate self.” It is not a negative or despairing term. It is a celebration of interconnectedness, of interbeing. It means nothing can exist by itself alone, that everything is inextricably interconnected with everything else. I know that I must always work to remember that I am empty of a separate self and full of the many wonders of this universe, including the generosity of my grandparents and parents, the many friends and teachers who have helped and supported me along the path, and you dear readers, without whom this book could not exist. We inter-are, and therefore we are empty of an identity that is separate from our interconnectedness.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Interbeing Book by Sister Chan Khong, 2005
Interconnectedness means no self exists in isolation; all beings share a mutual existence.
In simple terms: All things are linked, no separate self.
Key Takeaway
Remember your place in the web of life.
Themes
interconnectedness
emptiness
mindfulness
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- meditation
- daily gratitude
- family relationships
- teaching
- writing
Key Concepts
nonself
interbeing
dependence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing emptiness affect your relationships?
- What practices help you feel this interconnectedness?
A Different Perspective
This view may be misunderstood as nihilism if not clarified.
![“I remember having a discussion with [Kaz] about his translation of the word shunyata as "boundlessness," instead of the more traditional "emptiness." I said: "Kaz, everyone is used to the word emptiness for shunyata. This might not sit well with people. He said: "Translator's prerogative!" Then he…” quote by Joan Halifax](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/410/joan-halifax-11817_assuming_i-remember-having-a-discussion-with-kaz_727693.jpg)
![“The extraction of discrete parts of Chöd teachings from their broader philosophical contexts is symptomatic of how Chöd has been incorporated into and transmitted through other Tibetan Buddhist lineages. For example [...] Chöd practices gradually merged with pre-existing models of deity yoga, such…” quote by Michelle Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b05/michelle-sorensen-60370_2013_the-extraction-of-discrete-parts-of-ch-d_4303.jpg)