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60 EASTERN HORIZON | TEACHINGS

Aggacitta: The realization of emptiness through a 7. In the modern world, where individualism and
profound personal experience of causality dispels the materialism dominate, what unique challenges
misconception that karma is fatalistic. If one were to do you see in teaching and practicing emptiness
believe that karma is rigidly predetermined, then any and compassion?
compassionate action would seem futile.
Aggacitta: I don’t see challenges—only benefits.
On the contrary, compassionate action becomes deeply
meaningful when we understand that while we are The realization that everything perceived through the
shaped by past causes and conditions, our present senses is empty of any unchanging, independent self
actions also contribute to future outcomes—whether undermines the foundation of individualism. Since
desired or otherwise. everyone is a product of interdependent, ever-changing
causes and conditions, what basis remains for an
Min Wei: In Mahāyāna Buddhism, the realization of extreme sense of individualism?
emptiness profoundly reshapes the understanding of
karma. Emptiness reveals that all actions, agents, and Additionally, this insight into emptiness is closely tied
results are interdependent and lack inherent existence, to the three characteristics of existence: impermanence
dissolving rigid notions of a fixed self performing (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anattā).
karma. This insight shifts the focus from self-centered These realizations help loosen the grip of individualism
motivations to a broader, compassionate perspective. and alleviate the psychological stress associated with
Recognizing that all beings are interconnected and maintaining it.
equally empty of inherent existence, practitioners
understand that their actions have far-reaching effects Materialistic attitudes can also be diminished through
on the web of interdependence. This deepens the deep insights into:
motivation to act skillfully and compassionately, as
harming others is seen as harming oneself. Emptiness The fleeting nature of joy and gratification derived from
also liberates practitioners from attachment to the material possessions.
fruits of their actions, allowing them to act selflessly
The suffering endured to attain such momentary
for the benefit of all beings. Thus, the realization
satisfaction.
of emptiness transforms karma from a personal,
transactional framework into a compassionate,
These realizations encourage a balanced approach to
altruistic practice aligned with the bodhisattva ideal of
high performance and essential material gains.
universal liberation.

Min Wei: In a world dominated by individualism and
Tsepal: Even karma and its effects appear with an
materialism, teaching and practicing emptiness and
exaggerated status, as if they exist from their own side
compassion face significant challenges. Individualism
without depending on anything else. As we cultivate
reinforces the illusion of a fixed, independent self,
wisdom realizing emptiness, first conceptually, then
making it difficult to grasp the concept of emptiness,
directly, we will lessen and eventually remove the
which reveals the interdependent, fluid nature of reality.
exaggeration without removing cause and effect
Materialism fosters attachment to possessions and
themselves. In fact, the removal of the exaggeration
status, conflicting with the Buddhist emphasis on inner
gives rise to an even clearer appreciation and respect
contentment and letting go. Compassion, too, struggles
for cause and effect. Understanding that obscurations
in competitive environments where self-interest is
can be removed from our own mind, we naturally and
prioritized, and global crises can lead to compassion
compassionately wish to help others accomplish the
fatigue or apathy. Additionally, digital distractions
same freedom.
hinder mindfulness, essential for understanding
emptiness and cultivating compassion. To address these