Buddha on How All Appears Void

Material form is a lump of foam,

Feeling is a water bubble,

Perception is just a mirage;

Volitions are like a plantain’s trunk,

Consciousness, a magic trick –

So says the Kinsman of the Sun.

 

However one may ponder it

Or carefully inquire,

All appears both void and vacant

When it’s seen in truth.

 

(Buddha, extracted from the Phena Sutta, Samyutta Nikaya 22:95, Pali Canon. Notes: The above verses are a reflection on the five aggregates, a central teaching of Buddhism; ‘Kinsman of the Sun’ is another name for Buddha)