Becoming Empty, Becoming Conscious
The journey of spirituality often revolves around the profound paradox of becoming empty to become truly conscious. It is a process of letting go of all the mental, emotional, and spiritual baggage we accumulate throughout life, allowing us to connect with a deeper, more authentic aspect of ourselves. When we speak of ‘becoming empty,’ it is not about losing oneself or becoming devoid of life; instead, it is about clearing away the clutter of thoughts, beliefs, and attachments that obscure our true nature.
In everyday life, we are constantly absorbing information, forming opinions, holding onto judgments, and reacting to external situations. This ongoing mental activity creates layers of conditioning that separate us from our innate consciousness. Over time, we become identified with these layers, mistaking them for our true selves. The thoughts and emotions we cling to can create a sense of self that is rigid, limited, and reactive. But in reality, these are simply temporary phenomena. To uncover the eternal self that lies beyond them, we must become empty.
Emptiness in this sense is not a void or absence, but a spaciousness that allows for a clearer, more direct experience of life. It is the state of being where the mind is quiet, free from the incessant chatter that usually dominates our awareness. In this stillness, consciousness naturally arises. When we empty ourselves of preconceived notions, expectations, and the ego’s constant striving, we create the space for a deeper intelligence to flow through us. This intelligence is not bound by the limitations of the mind but is connected to the universal consciousness that permeates all of existence.
One of the key practices in achieving this state of emptiness is meditation. Through meditation, we learn to observe the mind without getting entangled in its narratives. As we sit in silence, we witness our thoughts, feelings, and sensations arise and pass away. Over time, we begin to recognise that we are not these thoughts or emotions — they are merely passing clouds in the sky of our awareness. This recognition allows us to detach from them, creating a sense of inner spaciousness. As we continue to practice, this space grows, and we start to experience moments of true emptiness, where the mind is still, and consciousness is fully present.
Becoming empty is also about surrender. It requires us to let go of our need to control every aspect of our lives and to trust in the natural unfolding of events. Often, we are so focused on achieving specific outcomes, shaping our futures, or holding onto our pasts that we forget to live fully in the present moment. By surrendering this need for control, we allow life to move through us with greater ease and grace. In doing so, we become more aligned with the flow of the universe, and our actions become more harmonious and purposeful.
Another aspect of becoming empty is releasing attachment to the ego. The ego thrives on identity, on being right, on feeling superior or inferior, and on separating itself from others. When we identify too strongly with the ego, we create divisions between ourselves and the world around us. However, when we become empty, we loosen the ego’s grip, allowing us to experience a deeper connection with others and with the universe itself. In this state of emptiness, we come to realise that the boundaries between self and other are illusions created by the mind. We are not separate beings, but expressions of a unified consciousness.
Becoming empty is not an endpoint but an ongoing process. It is something we cultivate continuously as we move through life. Each moment offers us the opportunity to release something — whether it’s a thought, an emotion, or an attachment — and to return to a state of pure presence. As we practice this, our consciousness expands, and we become more attuned to the deeper truths of existence.
In essence, becoming empty is the key to becoming fully conscious. When we clear away the distractions of the mind, the purity of consciousness can shine through. In this state of awareness, we are no longer bound by the limitations of the ego or the constraints of our conditioning. We experience life as it truly is — free, interconnected, and imbued with a profound sense of peace and clarity. It is in this emptiness that we find the fullness of being.
