Q24. Why is mind in experiencing the world’s emptiness described as empty-mind (cit-waang)?

~ By Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu ~

A verse in one of the later text says, ‘That is truly empty which is empty of lust, hatred, and delusion.’* A mind is empty (unencumbered, disengaged, or free) when it is free of lust, hatred, and delusion.

When, by whatever method or means, a mind is free of all traces of lust, hatred, and delusion, it can be described as ‘empty or free mind’ (cit-waang). Here, we refer only to what happens through practice. When one is asleep, mind is also empty! While that is likewise true emptiness, it didn’t come about intentionally through practicing Dhamma; therefore, it doesn’t belong in the same category. If we have made an effort in some way so that mind is emptied of lust, hatred, and delusion, even if only for a moment, such mind is said to be free, void, empty. Whenever there’s no clinging, mind is empty and there’s no suffering. If there is clinging, there is suffering instead of emptiness. This freedom and emptiness can increase until complete – absolute freedom and emptiness. Arahants (fully realized individuals) are absolutely free. Ariyas at lower stages of awakening are largely free. Ordinary worldlings can be free and empty occasionally.

At any moment that there is freedom from lust, hatred, and delusion, in that moment there’s no sense or notion of ‘self.’ This is known as empty-free mind (cit-waang).

(*) Rāgadosamohehi suññatattā suññato.

(From “Buddha-Dhamma for Inquiring Minds”)

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Buddha-Dhamma for Students (title of original translation) was composed of two talks given by Ajahn Buddhadāsa in January 1966 to students at Thammasat University, Bangkok. It was translated from the Thai by Rod Bucknell, and revised in 2018 by Santikaro Upasaka. To read/download as free ebook (pdf).

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Photo: Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives E-27