Interdependency.

"The wisdom of emptiness refers to a lack of something: 'inherent existence'. 'Inherent existence' means that things appear to exist independently, in- and out of themselves, from the side of the object, by way of its' own character, self-powered, autonomous.

Ultimately however, things exist in dependence upon causes and conditions. For example, a human being ceases to exist in a vacuum, we would instantly die when all conditions for life are suddenly gone. On another level, a human being needs to come into existence by the combination of a sperm from the father joining an egg from the mother and all the right conditions to grow into an embryo.

So, considering ourselves as independently existing, fully autonomous is a mere illusion and does not accord with ultimate reality. Ultimate wisdom can be compared to eco-thinking in biology: a century ago, biology focused mainly on categorising species of animals and plants and describing their specific aspects.

Plants and animals were cut to ever smaller pieces to analyse how they function. However, nature also functions at a completely different level; as relations and processes between living beings. Ecology appeared as a new branch of biology, more dealing with relations, cycles and interdependence of animals, plants and surroundings.

This is somewhat similar to the view of emptiness. Instead of focusing on differences and individuality, the realisation of emptiness is about realising that nothing exists by itself alone, but depends on other things. Just as all living beings rely on other living beings - at least their ancestors, so do even inanimate objects depend on other objects, conditions, parts and processes to arise and disappear. The fact that we normally do not realise emptiness and the relatedness of things is directly related to our perception. As soon as we perceive something in the outside world, it feels different from our own body or mind.

We feel as if other things are "out there", separate from "my self", which is "in here". But are they really separate? To begin with, if the outer object would not somehow "relate" to us in the form of sound, smell, light etc., we would be unable to perceive it. So our perception of objects depends on interaction, rather than the fact that we are separate.

To put it simple, our perception of the world is only possible because of interaction, interrelation, dependence and exchange of information."

As scientist often try to discuss, I really like to add the easy way of explanations by youtubes like this. It is just great that science is coming near by Buddhism which is specially in these times showing important investigation and not merely a blind belief or phantasies of cultures. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj_i7YqDwJA

*Saraha:" The cross-eyed fool sees one lamp as two; the vision and the viewer are one."

The experience of interdependency-emptiness is powerfully opening concern for all sentient beings in interpenetrating  joy and love, in equanimity, the concern for the environnement; interdependent with all beings. 

The enormous importance for purifying body speech and mind is clear. Then spontaneously, no imaginations or elaborated explanations are adding something.

All beings in completely peace. Om Mani Peme Hung. _/\_