“You hurt me just now and I’m feeling empty again.”

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What attracted you to Buddhism initially?

​The notion that all things are empty and that forms arise from that emptiness. Essentially, the truth that emptiness is form and form is emptiness.

​How did this teaching help you in your life?

​I always heard people talking about this thing called ’empathy’ and I didn’t really get it, neither the definition or why it would exist. Then when I heard the ‘form is emptiness / emptiness is form’ teaching I realized I didn’t need empathy anymore, since everything’s empty. We don’t exist so I can do whatever I want.

​Though in Buddhism, they are also big on the law of karma, no?

​I don’t know and I don’t care. The ‘form / emptiness’ teaching really spoke to me since I feel empty inside and have been told by many psychologists that I don’t have a self. Imagine my glee when I found out neither do they.

​So it’s not so much compassion or enlightenment or meditation that grabbed you, but more that everything is empty?

​That’s right, but I would watch your words with me. They’re starting to get a tad insulting.

​Which part?

​Where you said that I’m not compassionate.

​But you said you don’t relate to the notion of ’empathy’.

​People don’t like you. But I like you, I think you’re a genius.

​You do?

​You hurt me just now and I’m feeling empty again.

​When did I hurt you?

​These questions hurt me and are arrogant of you to think that only you have questions. I have questions too, better ones actually.

​Feel free to ask me one.

​I always feel free. I’m the best at it. Here’s a question for you: what do you want most out of life?

​Probably to realize my potential.

​You don’t have any.

​A second ago you told me I am a genius.

​You misinterpreted what I was saying.