Misunderstanding the term "Emptiness"

The teaching of emptiness is probably mind boggling to many of us. I personally do not properly understand this, but I do have a few pointers regarding it.

The english terminology of emptiness may be viewed different from the word where it originates from, sunyata (a sankrit word). The interpretation of emptiness from ordinary person would be like a hallow, void or nothingness which may trigger an afflicted sense of alienation (I call these false emptiness). On the other hand, the actual interpretation is more spiritual, and refers to impermance, selflessness, non-independent and various other spiritual insight which cannot be conceptually graspered. It is something I currently cannot comprehend nor explain.

Difference between "true emptiness" and "false emptiness"

I think it is appropiate to say that this "true emptiness" can only be "experienced" through spiritual practices. It cannot be understood in concepts or merely thinking about it or just emotionally feeling it without spiritual practice.

False emptiness is not true emptiness, as it is still emotionally, conceptually or subconsciously "attached" to the idea of "void", "hallow", "nothingness" etc... And it may be followed by a form of attachment to afflictions of repulsiveness, alienation and depression. This feeling is not emptying the heart from afflictions and therefore not true emptiness.

True emptiness is something that can only be reached through successful spiritual practice, and not mere academically rationalising, conceptualising and talking and about it.

Problems with false emptiness: alienation, depression and rejecting wise practical advice.

Being attached to this "emotional hallow state", may leads to repulsiveness, alienation and depression. Emptying means letting go of afflictions, but ironally, "false" emptiness leads to more attachment to this afflicted hallow and alienated feeling. True emptiness let go of emotional afflictions, which false emptiness fails to see.

Another danger of misunderstanding emptiness, is rejecting whatever we perceive, even if it means good wise advice. As a result barrier is built and rejects help, reject wise and practical advice given. As wise advice are rejected, foundation cannot developed for proper spiritual progress to occur, and the the person may be trapped in the state of affliction (concept of void, repulsiveness, alienation and depression etc...).

For example, they may reject upholding moral conduct, meritorious deeds and creating positive karma, as a result creating a darker and dangerous path for themselves. They fail to develop good foundation of morality and proper conduct, so they cannot be spiritually ready to progress and develop further. So remember having a good foundation is a smart move to make.

Emptiness should be taught to those who are ready
Emptiness is often not taught until the teacher decides the student is ready. This is probably why in some tradition, such as the Tibetan tradition, it is breaking the precepts for teachers to teach emptiness to those who are not ready.

But as this Sunyata, emptiness, can only be experienced, I'll keep my mouth close and let you do the experiencing. There may be errors or confusion in my writing, so please inform me. Wish you all the best!