> Nothingness ("Shunyata", in Sanskrit) is not about idleness or vacuum but means something very specific. It refers to the absence of a solid, tangible self (o

> Nothingness ("Shunyata", in Sanskrit) is not about idleness or vacuum but means something very specific. It refers to the absence of a solid, tangible self (or an ego, if you must use a Western term). Buddhism's core practice is often mis-interpreted as "don't do something, sit there!" but it couldn't be farther from the truth. I think you have got it almost right. The roots of meditation is from Rig-veda's riddle hymn composed by Dhirgatamas (one who stares in infinite darkness). The hymn describes two birds one enjoying eating berries where as other simply looks at it. Shunyata is a concept popularized by Buddhist traditions with a very specific meaning but overall the concept of "do nothing" in meditative traditions of east has nothing to do with literal meaning of doing nothing instead depending on the specific school of meditaiton it differs. Mindfulness/Vipashyana (look inside) involves being alert while not acting at all which actually improves your sensitivity and observance of the surrounding where as Sahajmarga would involve becoming one with the existence while eliminating all thought. It is actually lot of hard work!