A core concept within Buddhist psychology is sunnata, translated as emptiness; this talk reviews this often mystified and misunderstood aspect of Buddhist doctrine.  Early Buddhist schools emphasized that sunnata is synonymous with anatta, the absence of an enduring/autonomous self.  Later, the Mahayana teachers emphasized that sunnata applies to everything in the universe, building on the doctrine of interdependence.  Contemporary psychological and sociological research has validated the concept of emptiness.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  Understanding Buddhist Emptiness

The topic for next week’s talk will be focused on the general areas of research that suggest the benefits of Buddhist meditation practices in terms of mental health and other life skills, such as financial management, relationship enhancement, etc.