Anupalambha śūnyatā

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anupalambha śūnyatā (T. mi dmigs pa stong pa nyid; C. bu kede kong 可得空). Translated as "emptiness of the imperceptible", "emptiness of the unobservable", etc.[1][2] One of the sixteen types of emptiness, according to the Madhyamakāvatāra and other texts.[1][3]

The lack of inherent existence of all phenomena within the context of any of the three times — past, present and future.[1]

The Madhyamakāvatāra states:

The present does not abide;
The past and the future do not exist.
Wherever you look, you do not see them,
So the three times are called “imperceptible.” (216)

The imperceptible is empty of its own essence.
It does not remain, it does not cease,
And this is the “emptiness of the imperceptible.” (217)[3]

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Internet-icon.svg mi dmigs pa stong pa nyid , Christian-Steinert Dictionary
  2. Buswell & Lopez 2014, s.v. Lists of Lists, "sixteen emptinesses".
  3. 3.0 3.1 Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso 2003, Appendix 3.

Sources