In Frank Passalaqua’s Even Jesus Has a Booth at the Better Life Convention, the main characters discuss a painting with Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo explains how contrast brings realism to the painting. He says, “We live in the world of the relative, and in order to understand what something is, you must see its opposite. “Imagine a world without contrast, where everything is uniform and unchanging. Such a world would be devoid of excitement, discovery, and meaning.
Lao Tzu contributes to the conversation by explaining that realism and contrast correlate to emptiness. He explains, “We pierce doors and windows to make a house, and it is on these spaces where there is nothing that the utility of the house depends.”
Contrast and Emptiness
Contrast fills this space, bringing color, sound, and texture. Emptiness provides the space, the silence, the pause. Together, they form the rhythm of life—the highs and lows, the stillness and movement.
Think of it like a painting’s empty spaces are as crucial as the filled ones; they guide the viewer’s eye, create balance, and evoke emotion. In music, the pauses between notes are as important as the notes themselves, creating rhythm and tension. In literature, the unsaid, the implied, and the spaces between words often speak louder than the words themselves.
In many spiritual traditions, emptiness is revered as a state of mind where one can connect with the true essence of being. In the quiet, empty spaces, we find clarity, where the noise of the external world fades, and our inner voice becomes audible. This state of emptiness allows us to detach from the distractions that cloud our understanding, leading to a more profound comprehension of ourselves and the universe.
Our world is full of noise, and an endless stream of information is continuously bombarding us. But still, we feel empty inside, and that concept is unsettling. From the beginning, we’re taught to fill every moment and space with something—whether it’s work, entertainment, or thoughts. But the reality stands contrary. The truth is that there’s a significance in emptiness that offers a deeper understanding of the world and our place within it. Understanding the significance of emptiness and contrast can transform our approach to life.
The OppositesÂ
Contrast is the dynamic counterpart to emptiness. It is through contrast that we perceive the richness of life. Light and shadow, joy and sorrow, sound and silence—these opposites define each other, giving meaning and depth to our experiences.
Emptiness is not merely a void or an absence; it is a space of potential. Consider the moments when you stare at a blank page before writing or walk into an empty room. That emptiness is a canvas, inviting possibilities. Without it, there would be no room for creativity, reflection, or growth.
The interplay between opposites creates the drama of existence, the stories we tell, and the emotions we feel. Contrast pushes us to explore the boundaries of our understanding, challenging us to see the world from different perspectives.
Read Frank Passalaqua’s Even Jesus Has a Booth at the Better Life Convention for more insightful knowledge. Follow Frank and his wife on a journey through a fantastical convention where they meet some of the greatest minds and spiritual leaders of all time.
