References – SN 35.85: Empty Is the World 
Sutta / Saṁyutta Nikāya / SN 35: Saḷāyatanasaṁyutta / SN 35.85: Suññatalokasutta

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Readings from The Island by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Amaro, Chapter 12, pp. 198-203. Read by Ajahn Pasanno:

Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu, Heartwood from the Bodhi Tree, pp. 51-2.

Suttas: SN 35.85; SN 41.7; DN 16.2.25; Vsm 21.70.

Readings from The Island [2025], Session 50


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“The other characteristics like impermanence, dukkha, anattā—are these considered to be the third quenching elements?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Amaro. [Characteristics of existence] [Cessation] // [Not-self] [Emptiness] [Ajahn Buddhadāsa]

Reference: Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree by Ajahn Buddhadasā, quoted in The Island by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Amaro, pp. 198-199.

Sutta: SN 35.85: “The world is empty.” Quoted in The Island by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Amaro, p. 200.

Readings from The Island [2025], Session 50, Excerpt 2


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Comment: When I’ve heard the phrase ‘abiding in emptiness’ used, it hasn’t been a reification; it has been exactly what the sutta (SN 35.85) says, abiding in a place that’s empty of self. [Emptiness] [Not-self]

Response by Ajahn Pasanno. [Theravāda]

Readings from The Island [2025], Session 50, Excerpt 4