emptiness

Emptiness is a central Buddhist concept describing the absence of inherent, independent existence. In early Buddhist teachings, emptiness is closely tied to nonself, emphasizing that mind and body lack a permanent essence. In Mahayana Buddhism, especially in Madhyamaka philosophy, emptiness is extended to all phenomena, which are understood to exist only through dependent origination. Rather than implying nihilism, emptiness clarifies how things function relationally and underlies compassion and liberation.