What does "the five aggregates are empty" in the Heart Sutra mean?

　

    Although the Heart Sutra is just over 200 words long (in Chinese), if we carefully study the Buddhist concepts contained in it, they are quite rich. Since the Heart Sutra is very short, yet it also needs to explain the difficult and profound Buddhist teachings which are difficult to express, therefore its terms are determined after repeated deliberation. This reason makes us, who study Heart Sutra in the later time, should repeatedly research and deliberate the words in it; hoping that, from the concise word selection, we can get some clues to prove the point of view that the Buddhist Dharma in the Heart Sutra and other sutras are consistent with each other.

　

    The Heart Sutra says from the very beginning: If you can see the "five aggregates are empty", then you can eliminate all suffering; what are the "five aggregates"? In Buddhist terminology, they are the five products of the mind: "matter, feeling, thinking, action, and consciousness"; in spoken words, the "five aggregates" are:

　

‧Matter: the external material environment, the matter that can be touched, seen, and occupies space.

　

‧Feeling: the psychological feelings of sentient beings, the feeling of happiness, the feeling of pain.

　

‧Thinking: thinking in the minds of all beings.

　

‧ Action: The mental activity that drives the behavior and actions of all living beings.

　

‧Consciousness: the recognition products produced by human sensory organs when they come into contact with the external environment; such as: vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell, in addition, it also includes the consciousness produced when we come into contact with "feelings, thoughts, and behaviors".

　

    These external and internal things are called the "five aggregates". What do the "five aggregates" represent? The "five aggregates" constitute the "I"; if the "five aggregates" do not exist, then the "I" cannot exist.

　

    The next is "empty". The most primitive meaning of "empty" is: no, none, no existence. We say "the box is empty" means that there is nothing in the box; but in Buddhism, it is not so simple, especially in Mahayana Buddhism. "Empty" often means "beyond existence and non-existence, indescribable, inconceivable, unattainable". The "five aggregates are empty" mentioned in the Heart Sutra is the practice state of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, so the "empty" mentioned here should refer to the "inconceivable state that transcends existence and non-existence".

　

    At this point, some people may think: "If the state mentioned in the Heart Sutra is the state of a great Bodhisattva, then the Heart Sutra will not benefit ordinary people." In fact, this is not entirely the case. There are two reasons: The first thing to say is that , The "practice" of Buddhism is from shallow to deep, and the understanding of "empty" is also gradual. It is reasonable to explain it with a shallower understanding first. After enough conditions have been accumulated, the level of understanding will upgrade naturally. Second, just reading and reciting the Heart Sutra has merits and virtues, not to mention being able to interpret the scriptures. Although it has not yet reached the state of a great Bodhisattva, if there is an elementary understanding, its merits are far greater than just reciting this Buddhist sutra.

　

    Returning to the topic, when we say that "the five aggregates are all empty", we mean that the "five aggregates" are "beyond existence and non-existence", are indescribable and inconceivable; and the "five aggregates" constitute "I". Thus, in other words, "the five aggregates are empty" is the state of "non-self".

　

    However, returning to reality, most people think: ‘"I" exists and the "five aggregates" exist; we can see and touch the external material world; how can it not exist, even beyond "existence and non-existence"? My feelings, my thoughts, my actions, and the various sensations produced by my sense organs all exist. I am aware of the "five aggregates" all the time!’ At this time, the idea of "all five aggregates are empty" can sow the seeds of doubt for those who have read the Heart Sutra; when they start to seek answers, they can start their "Dharma journey". The beginners of Buddhist practice can make use of "the five aggregates are empty" and begin to eliminate their annoyances and pain. Understanding and using "the five aggregates are empty" can break the ordinary people's attachment to "the existence of self and the existence of the five aggregates" and eliminating these attachments can eliminate annoyances and suffering; if a person can truly and completely prove "the five aggregates are empty", then like Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, "all sufferings will be relieved".

　

    We are floating and sinking in reincarnation. If we are fortunate enough to encounter the Buddhist Dharma, but still cannot fully believe in it, then the best and fastest way is to "try it out", and there may be unexpected harvests!