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Significance of Emptiness

Emptiness is a fundamental concept in Buddhism that signifies the lack of inherent existence in all phenomena. It emphasizes that things do not possess intrinsic essence or nature, which is pivotal for understanding reality and achieving liberation from attachments. In Mahayana Buddhism, for instance, Emptiness highlights the interdependent nature of all phenomena and challenges perceptions of reality, leading to insights about the transient nature of existence. This idea serves as a central tenet across various Buddhist traditions, including Theravada and Tibetan Buddhism.1
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Synonyms: Void, Nothingness, Blankness, Hollowness, Desolation, Deficiency., Barrenness, Vacuity, Depletion

In Dutch: Leegte; In Finnish: 罢测丑箩盲; In Spanish: 痴补肠铆辞; In German: Leere

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Emptiness'

Buddhism Books

Emptiness in Buddhism represents the fundamental idea that all phenomena lack inherent existence, emphasizing interdependence and the transient nature of reality, crucial for understanding the nature of existence and liberation from attachment.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) A fundamental concept recognized by the bodhisattva which asserts that all things lack inherent existence.[1] (2) The contemplative state where matter is understood as a function of the mind.[2] (3) A core concept in Buddhist thought, relating to the absence of intrinsic existence and the radical non-attachment to phenomena.[3] (4) The philosophical concept indicating that all phenomena lack inherent existence, extensively discussed in various Buddhist schools.[4] (5) The concept in Buddhist philosophy that denotes the lack of inherent existence in all dharmas, signifying their true nature.[5]

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) A key concept in Buddhism indicating the lack of inherent existence in all phenomena; understanding emptiness leads to liberation.[6] (2) A core Buddhist concept indicating that all phenomena lack inherent existence, emphasizing the transient nature of reality.[7] (3) A fundamental concept that indicates a lack of intrinsic existence or substance; in this context, it is also described as being the same irrespective of location.[8] (4) The concept that signifies the lack of inherent existence of all phenomena, which is central to Buddhist philosophy.[9] (5) A state that signifies a lack of inherent existence, which is filled by the dharma body without ceasing to be empty.[10]

From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(1) The realization that all phenomena are devoid of inherent existence, a concept explored through the practices of dhyana.[11] (2) A core Buddhist doctrine emphasizing the lack of inherent existence in all phenomena, leading to the understanding of non-self.[12] (3) The state of being devoid of inherent existence or characteristics, as discussed in the context of the Buddha-Nature and voidness.[13] (4) The concept that nothing has intrinsic inherent existence; a key teaching in Buddhism aimed at dispelling clinging and suffering.[14] (5) The notion that all phenomena lack inherent existence, highlighting the transient nature of reality.[15]

From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]

(1) The state of being devoid of inherent existence, pivotal for the understanding of the nature of reality.[16] (2) A core concept in Buddhist philosophy indicating the lack of inherent essence in all things.[17] (3) The concept of absence of inherent existence, reflecting the interconnectedness and non-dual nature of reality.[18] (4) The concept that all things lack inherent existence and are devoid of a permanent self, central to understanding the nature of thought and reality.[19] (5) A central concept in Buddhist philosophy indicating the lack of inherent existence and the understanding of phenomena as interdependent.[20]

From: Lankavatara Sutra

(1) The concept that all phenomena lack inherent existence, which is fundamental in Mahayana Buddhism.[21] (2) The concept that all things lack inherent existence or essence, highlighting the transient and dependent nature of reality.[22] (3) A fundamental Buddhist concept that signifies the absence of inherent existence in all phenomena.[23] (4) A fundamental Buddhist concept that all phenomena lack intrinsic existence or self-nature (svabhava) and is central to the understanding of ultimate reality.[24]

From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara

(1) A key concept in Buddhism indicating the absence of inherent existence in all phenomena.[25]

From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra

(1) A central concept discussed by Vimalakirti, reflecting the nature of reality where all constructions are devoid of inherent existence.[26]

From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines

(1) A fundamental Buddhist concept signifying the lack of inherent existence in all phenomena.[27]

From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra

(1) A fundamental concept in Buddhism signifying the absence of inherent existence in all phenomena.[28]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) The core realization within Buddhist philosophy that phenomena lack inherent existence, a key concept leading to liberation from attachments.[29] (2) A fundamental Buddhist concept that signifies the absence of inherent existence, from which all phenomena arise and to which they return.[30] (3) The state of having no inherent existence or essence, foundational to Buddhist philosophy.[31] (4) The fundamental nature of reality that is devoid of inherent existence.[32] (5) A central concept in Buddhism that suggests that things do not possess intrinsic essence or nature.[33]

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka

(1) A philosophical concept discussed by the monks, related to their practices and understanding of dhamma.[34]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

The concept of Emptiness in local and regional sources

History Books

Emptiness embodies the deep loss felt by the family after Amma's death, illustrating the void she created, while also signifying an individual's internal struggle with a lack of purpose and meaning in life.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A profound sense of lack or void within individuals, often stemming from a lack of purpose or meaning in their lives.[35] (2) The profound sense of loss experienced by the family in the aftermath of Amma's death, symbolizing the void she left behind.[36]