Emptiness and Objects

[Tiff]

Because the "I" is empty of inherent existence, having genuine self-esteem is possible. If we meditate properly on emptiness, as our understanding of it deepens, our self-esteem will increase. It's the grasping at inherent existence that produces low self-esteem because our self-hatred, guilt and fears are founded upon grasping at a truly existent "I". Through analytical meditation, we discover that there is no fixed, inherently unlovable, disgusting person. Such a person cannot be found. He or she does not exist. Seeing this, we will no longer be weighted down by hating someone who doesn't exist. A tremendous feeling of freedom comes from realizing that there is no solid person here who is shameful and unworthy. Seeing this, our hearts will be light a joyful. The more we see the "I" as empty, the more we understand that we can become Buddhas and the more we progress on the path to Buddhahood. ~Tara the Liberator