Is the Buddhist mind very broad? Master Hsuan Hua often said "return to emptiness," what does this mean?
In Buddhism, the mind is indeed extremely vast, considered to transcend time, space, and all forms. The phrase "returning to emptiness," often used by Venerable Master Hsuan Hua, is a profound metaphor in Buddhist practice. It doesn't mean the body actually flies into space or becomes nothingness, but rather describes a state of mental awakening and liberation. Here's a breakdown of the profound meaning of these four words:
1. Breaking Free from Attachment to "Self"
Our minds are usually narrow because we are constantly preoccupied with "my" interests, "my" face, and "my" suffering. Master Hsuan Hua said that "returning to emptiness" means breaking down this narrow "attachment to self". There is nothing in the void, yet it can contain all things. When you stop clinging to a small "self," your heart will be like the void, no longer bound by any grievances, troubles, or harm.
2. Returning to One's True Nature (Inherent Buddha-nature)
The *Surangama Sutra* often uses "emptiness" (primarily referring to unobstructed, pure space capable of encompassing all things) as a metaphor for our "original awakened mind-nature" (true nature). Our original mind is as vast as the sky, but because of delusions and attachments such as greed, anger, and ignorance, it's like dark clouds drifting across the sky, making us mistakenly believe that the world is only as big as those clouds. "Returning to the void" means clearing away the clouds to see the sun, allowing the mind to return to its original, boundless, pure, and clean essence.
3. All-Encompassing Compassion
The void is the most egalitarian; it can contain beautiful flowers as well as filthy garbage; it encompasses wind, rain, thunder, and lightning, yet it is never altered or destroyed by them. Master Hsuan Hua encouraged his disciples to "return to the void," meaning he hoped their "heart's capacity" in spiritual practice would be vast.
All-encompassing: able to accept everyone, whether they are good to you or not.
Without attachment or hindrance: When things have passed, leave no trace in your heart, just like a bird flying through the void without leaving any shadow.
4. Experiencing "The Mind Encompasses the Vast Expanse, Its Capacity Reaches the Countless Realms"
Buddhism often says, "The mind encompasses the vast expanse, its capacity extends to the countless realms," meaning that the entire universe is actually within our own mind. Master Hsuan Hua once said that those who truly understand Buddhism will discover that they are one with the Dharma realm. Since we are one, there is no distinction between you, me, and him; this is the ultimate equality and freedom.
💡 In summary: Master Hsuan Hua's saying "return to emptiness" is a hope that we will let go of selfishness, let go of calculation, and let go of attachment. When you broaden your mind to the size of the sky, the joys and sorrows, the grudges and affections of the world will no longer be able to fill you or hurt you. This is an ultimate breadth, freedom, and great wisdom.
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