Playing with Emptiness, Dancing with Paradox:
loosening ego’s grip on solidity

Format:  Online via zoom

Dates: Mondays: March 9? 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20,  2026

Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm (MT) 

Emptiness in Buddhism functions as a concept, a meditation, a description of the “true” nature of ultimate mind, and, most often, as a paradox. When we explore the two truths – relative and absolute reality, emptiness embodies the nature and essence of absolute reality while our everyday solid appearances validate relative reality. When viewed through the lens of “everything being impermanent”, emptiness can be understood as the space from which our supposedly permanent perceptions and experiences of everyday life arise. Thus, the simultaneity of our solid perceptions in everyday life and emptiness being the essential nature of the phenomena we perceive generates the paradox: things are both “real-solidly true” and “unreal-ethereal empty” at the same time.

To explore this paradox, the class focuses on loosening, lightening and softening our grip to phenomena’s solidity, as preparation for opening to the experience of emptiness. While conceptual views of emptiness are identified, the class is not focused on the theoretical elaborations and fine-tuned definitions of emptiness found in the sutras, tantras or other Buddhist literature and commentaries. Instead through a variety of class activities and weekly assignments, students will personally explore questions like the following:

How does this paradox manifest in our karma, our afflictive emotions (anger, desire, ignorance, pride and envy/jealousy), our conceptual and intellectual views, and our habits?

1. In what ways, if at all, does the paradox manifest in each of five physical senses?

2. What are some of the very subtle, unnoticed assumptions that maintain and support our belief in the solidity and validity of our experience in samsara?

3. What fears might “fight or resist” understanding and experiencing emptiness and the paradox?

4. In what ways might emptiness be confused with detachment, spaciness, certain forms of mindfulness, reduced involvement (with life experiences), distractions, obliviousness, passivity, blissful experiences, dullness, happiness, etc?

5. Where do I find myself “getting stuck” when trying to resolve this paradox?

6. How can the understanding of emptiness bring more joy and ease into my life?

Who can attend. While intended for students who have had some exposure to Buddhism and its meditation forms, nevertheless, the class is appropriate for beginners as well as more experienced practitioners.

Payment:  $90 to Yeshe Nyingpo Denver with the sign-up button.

If you are on fixed income or financially challenged currently, please use the button for a fee of $65.  Please contact us at infoyndenver@gmail.com for other alternative arrangements regarding amount or methods for paying. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.