The Buddha’s most profound teaching was that he drew our attention to the obvious. There is a deep and enduring emptiness that pervades our existence. If we stop and reflect on what drives us to make the decisions that we do, the inescapable truth is that there is a void we are constantly trying to fill.
There is no doubt that we can temporarily fill that void by keeping ourselves occupied and by investing time with our friends and loved ones. But can we really depend on our family forever? Of course we would all like to think so but we also know the truth which is that all things, including life, are impermanent.
As a result, we are all motivated to take actions we think will prevent us from being left staring into the abyss all alone. I know it sounds extreme, but who can truthfully say that is not his fear?
The Buddha gave us three refuges from this danger. First, we can take comfort because the Buddha himself was a testament to the fact that we do not have to suffer. Secondly, the Buddha’s teaching guides us towards an inner security that we can always rely on. Third, There is a community of people who help us to practice meditation who will never lead us in the wrong direction.
If you are looking for cure to the empty feeling you experience, these three refuges can be your safety from the abyss. By learning to practice insight meditation, you can fill the void with present moment awareness.