Emptiness

The Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching) outlines how one can live in accordance with the “Way” of the universe. One manner of doing this is using meditation to reach a state of emptiness. This can provide peace of mind and allow a person to get the most out of each moment.

“Hold on to the great image, And the whole world follows, Follows unharmed, Content and completely at peace.“

Dao De Jing, Chapter 35

Value in Emptiness

The importance of emptiness is illustrated by the wheel hub, clay vessel, and the house. Their value lies in their emptiness and not the physical structure itself.

“Thirty spokes are joined in the wheel’s hub. The hole in the middle makes it useful. Mold clay into a bowl. The empty space makes it useful. Cut out doors and windows for the house. The holes make it useful. Therefore, the value comes from what is there, But the use comes from what is not there.“

Dao De Jing, Chapter 11

Infant State

This state can help you return to your infant state and is like losing your self and going beyond yourself. Sometimes it is translated as the “uncarved block.” When one reaches absolute emptiness, they can consider and examine all things in the universe and reach enlightenment (Dao De Jing, Chapters 13, 16, and 28).

“Knowing honor, but clinging to disgrace, You become the valley of the world. Being the valley of the world, Eternal virtue will be full in you, And you return to the state of uncarved wood.“

Dao De Jing, Chapter 28

The Inner Light

George Harrison referenced the concept of emptiness in the Beatle’s song, “The Inner Light.”

“Without going our the door, one can know the ways of the world. Without watching through the window, Once can perceive The Way of Heaven. The farther away one travels, the less one understands. Rightly the wise do not step out yet they know.”

Dao De Jing, Chapter 47