The concept of “True Emptiness and Wondrous Existence” holds an important position in Buddhist philosophy. Its scope covers as widely as the underlying mechanism of the universe, and as deeply as Buddha nature and true suchness. However, discussions on the topic has usually been philosophical that often create a sense of distance with the daily living.
Venerable Master Cheng Yen would be a notable figure in this discussion, for she preaches the ideology that Buddhist teachings should be made relevant to daily living; Bodhisattvas are right here in this human realm. Tzu Chi Foundation, which the venerable founded, has had a global humanitarian outreach, inspiring volunteerism in both the rich and poor alike. Yet at the same time, the venerable emphasizes especially the idea of “true emptiness and wondrous existence”. What is her interpretation of this concept? How does she apply this in her charitable missions as well as in the guidance of her disciples along the Bodhisattva path?
This thesis pieces together 197 records of the venerable’s sermon on the concept of true emptiness and wondrous existence. The paper first introduces the first appearance of the term “true emptiness and wondrous existence”; secondly, discusses the role and importance of the concept within Master Cheng Yen’s school of Buddhism; from there, explores the master’s interpretation of the concept, which stems from the nature of emptiness and dependent origination（緣起性空）, at the same time places special focus on the law of dharma itself as the “wondrous existence”, interpreting that as the Buddha nature or true suchness, with that laid out Bodhisattva’s path of practice that aims for the unity between the mind and the universal law, as well as a vision for a harmonized existence. Finally, the paper discusses the application of the concept on the Bodhisattvas path, its basis, direction and method of practice, how compassion could be based on emptiness, and how the master uses daily wordings to preach the practice of “giving without asking anything in return”.
In this way, the paper hopes to carve a more complete picture of the venerable’s take on “true emptiness and wondrous existence”, and how she interprets and applies the teaching to the vision of being Bodhisattvas in this world.
