Q: In a state of deep meditative concentration, is it possible to see the future?

A: It’s a state of true emptiness, in which everything vanishes without a trace.

Q: Do you mean that without realizing emptiness it’s not possible to see the future?

A: This is also seeing.

Q: Is it that if I think that I’m dwelling in true emptiness, then it’s not true emptiness?

A: Not really; it’s something very ordinary.

Q: When do we recognize the true self?

A: It’s always there, and it never goes away; it’s you right now. But until you really experience that, there will always be a sense of separation. See what I mean?

Q: Yes. You use concentration to enter into the void, and knowledge and vision arise only after you come out of that state of concentration.

A: It’s not like that; knowledge and vision is there before, during, and after.

Q: For example, suppose a businessman goes on a meditation retreat; after the retreat, some of his views and policies will differ from what they were previous to the retreat.

A: It’s a matter of letting things cool off.

Q: Cool off?

A: After cooling off, things become clear. Cooling off means becoming tranquil and reducing desire and ambition.

The state of true emptiness beyond thought

Q: Last time you mentioned that meditation practice entails thinking.

A: That’s right. Even as you speak, am I not thinking?

Q: But in meditation isn’t this what we are trying to get rid of?

A: It depends on the level of concentration!

Q: So at the beginning, thought is still there?

A: At the beginning you don’t understand, so thinking is surely there. And even after you understand, thinking is still there, until you experience true emptiness.

Q: But don’t we get a whole new perspective on things?

A: It’s not about getting anything; it’s about discovering how things really are.

Q: So meditation can foster insight into the world of business and life in general.

A: It’s very helpful in this respect.

The common destiny of the planet and humanity

Q: What are your thoughts on the future? In light of such problems as resource depletion, water shortages, overpopulation, and malnourishment, is peace and prosperity really possible?

A: Global warming is the big game changer. As temperatures rise and the polar ice caps melt, there will be shortages of food and water, making it difficult to survive. We’re looking at major ecological changes which will result in lots of species going extinct.

Q: So what can be done?

A: We need to change the way we think; we need to have more respect for the natural world. We depend on this planet for our very survival; the earth gives us everything we need, but we don’t treat it well. We don’t know how to take good care of the earth, and this is the root of the environmental crisis. We need to allow the earth to recover its health; otherwise, the human race will go extinct. We need to have more gratitude towards the earth and strive to take care of it. Environmental awareness is one of the central values of the university we’re planning to establish in Myanmar.

Q: Do you mean the University of Peace?

A: Yes; we envision it as part of the global environmental movement.

Q: What to you is the essence of environmentalism?

A: Living a pure and simple life, without getting caught up in consumerism. Without a healthy planet, the human race is finished.

Q: Is this what is meant by “returning to the unconditioned”?

A: Not really. It’s about living simply and consuming only what we really need, and wasting as little as possible. This will give the planet a chance to recuperate and return to normal. This kind of environmental awareness is really just a matter of common sense.

(Except from Master Hsin Tao’s new book The Power of Meditation, released by Tianxia Publishing)