Emptiness

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2012, the movie which has recently come on circuit about the apocalypse, had one scene of personal significance, which included a Tibetan monk who was discussing with his student the purpose of his wisdom.  The student had asked him what the point of all his wisdom was if the world was indeed coming to its imminent end.  The monk poured tea into his student's cup to the point of overflowing.  The monk was teaching him a lesson on wisdom.  The student did not understand why his teacher was filling the cup more than was necessary.  The monk said, it was not the overflowing cup that is needed but an empty cup.  The concept of being void was being taught.  And I had to shake my head internally, having sought wisdom, yet being disappointed by this impractical wisdom received.  Is that wisdom at all, considering its lesson leaving me as perplexed as before.  Or am I not searching deeply enough for this meaning of emptiness?  

If you are empty, you are able to receive.  But by receiving, you are no longer empty.  Are you meant to pour out what you have received each time you receive something?  If so, to whom?  To God?  I would prefer to see emptiness as openness.  Emptiness has negative connotations in my mind.  It makes me feel hollow inside, as though there were a big black hole inside my soul that needs filling.  Indeed that emptiness is what Nicky Gumbel says many people in this world feel, but he prescribes a relationship with the God of heaven and earth as the only medicine to cure this worldwide epidemic.  

Peace, fulfillment, happiness, joy - are not these the things we seek in life?  I know only one who promises these things, and who can deliver.  I seek not emptiness nor void, but the realisation of my potential, and the fulfillment thereof, but I know even as I write this that selfish ambition is not God's way.  It is not through reaching my potential that I will find fulfillment, but through obeying God and walking in the path He has prepared for me.  And letting Him surprise me.   

 

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