A glance from the emptiness

When we’re troubled, angry, or consumed by desire, we feel trapped, swallowed by the emotion itself, unable to see beyond it. But we have another choice: step back and observe ourselves from a third perspective, not as the main character of our story, but as a witness.

From this vantage point, we see things clearly as they are. Some call this the viewpoint of a Bodhisattva: one who sees us from emptiness, empathizes with our pain and sorrow, then rests in equanimity with it all.

Why can a Bodhisattva see us this way?
Because she has passed through all of this suffering… across a thousand lifetimes.

A glance from the emptiness
No story left to be told
The main character vanished
The narrative dissolved
All sorrow, longing, and purpose turn blank
meaningless, empty, as they always were.

The observer merged with the observed
Only empty space remains
Only this one and only present,
like a gift
Swallowing all,
Rebirthing all.

Emptiness creates the world
Meaninglessness creates lives brimming with meaning.

— Hieu