Phena Sutta

Watercolor, 2003

Emptiness mentioned in the Phena Sutta does not mean a glass empty of water. To me emptiness means this body is made of many cells, organisms that are dependent on each other for their existence. There is no inherent me found in all the dependent thingness called Red Dust. When I look at my mind I see an empty sky full of many things that come and go but I see no unchanging thing called me. When I pop that bubble labeled self all that's left is an awareness like the sun that shines down with divine indifference.

Form is like a glob of foam;

feeling, a bubble;

perception, a mirage;

fabrications, a banana tree;

consciousness, a magic trick —

this has been taught

by the Kinsman of the Sun.

However you observe them,

appropriately examine them,

they're empty, void

to whoever sees them

appropriately.

Beginning with the body

as taught by the One

with profound discernment:

when abandoned by three things

— life, warmth, & consciousness —

form is rejected, cast aside.

When bereft of these

it lies thrown away,

senseless,

a meal for others.

That's the way it goes:

it's a magic trick,

an idiot's babbling.

It's said to be

a murderer.

No substance here

is found.

Thus a monk, persistence aroused,

should view the aggregates

by day & by night,

mindful,

alert;

should discard all fetters;

should make himself

his own refuge;

should live as if

his head were on fire —

in hopes of the state

with no falling away.

My Favorite Sutta To Read When This Body Feels Heavy

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