How to See Emptiness: the Metaphor of the Four Stages

How to See Emptiness: The Metaphor of the Four Stages

Whitish waves — when they subside. This is the metaphor for contaminated karmas, such as the ten non-virtuous karmas explained earlier. One should put effort into stopping them as much as possible.

Bubbles — when they subside. This is the metaphor for gross afflictions, such as attachment, anger, and jealousy. Try to minimize them — for example, before enjoying a piece of cheesecake, try to reflect on its impermanence and emptiness.

Sand particles — when they subside. This is the metaphor for inappropriate attention.

The current of the water — when it subsides. One cannot see this with one’s eyes, but it still affects the water. This is the metaphor for self-grasping ignorance.

The clarity of the water manifests. This is the metaphor for seeing emptiness.