Sunyata

Sunyata, from Sanskrit suññatā meaning emptiness, is a central term in Buddhist philosophy describing the lack of intrinsic, independent existence in all things. In Mahayana, sunyata is closely linked to pratityasamutpada (dependent origination) and the negation of svabhava, or inherent self-nature. Emptiness refers to the absence of an essential, unchanging essence in phenomena, including persons, objects, and even concepts.

According to the Madhyamaka view, especially as developed by Nagarjuna, things exist conventionally but lack own-being; they arise dependently and are empty of essence. This is expressed through the two truths doctrine: conventional truth corresponds to appearances, while ultimate truth is the emptiness that underlies them. Emptiness is not nihilism but a middle way between existence and nonexistence.

Within Madhyamaka, further distinctions emerged. Prasangika emphasizes that talking about phenomena is empty because no independent basis can be found, whereas Svatantrika uses provisional theses to support arguments. The Yogacara school offers a related account, describing phenomena as dependent on consciousness to varying degrees. Together, these strands shaped classical Mahayana meditation and ethics.

Theravada Buddhism also uses a form of emptiness, often expressed as suññatā, linked to anatta (no-self) and dependent arising, but it does not dominate doctrine to the same degree as in Mahayana. Some scholars see sunyata as compatible with Theravada analysis of phenomena, though it remains less systematized.

In practice, contemplating sunyata aims to loosen attachment, reduce clinging, and cultivate wisdom and compassion. It informs debates about ultimate reality, self, and the nature of phenomena across Buddhist traditions.