The Power of Emptiness: Being, Knowing and Not-Doing

In The Power of Emptiness, Lujan Matus returns to many of the themes in his previous books,especially his philosophy of Being, Knowing, and Not Doing. In his newest book, however, the author delves deeper and clarifies this unique philosophy that is deeply connected to the internal energy system he teaches called Lo Ban Pai.Written from the point of view of a wise Mango Grove Master who imparts teachings gleanedfrom a lifetime of practice, the Old Sage reveals a previous timeline of his life spent under thetutelage of a revered Tibetan Master. As the Grove Master instructs his nine disciples andbrings to light the wisdom learned from this teacher as well as from his own experiences, heweaves his tale with compassion and humor, offering a refreshing reinterpretation of manyancient wisdom threads.Hinting as to the purpose of the book, Matus opens it with the words of Yeshua: "Recognizewhat is before you, and what is hidden will be revealed; for there is nothing coveted that will not be made manifest. Likewise, the Buddha’s pronouncement: "As I am so are others. As others are,so am I. Having thus identified self and others, harm no one, nor have them harmed" is woven throughout the book in graduated layers of meaning. Thus, the tapestry of the Old Sage’s teachings is passed lovingly onto his devoted disciples and to the lucky reader.The Power of Emptiness touches upon numerous as well as numinous subjects: how tounderstand prayer as transmission; how to get back to our true purpose in living a heart-basedexistence; the infinite subtlety and power encased within the practice of Not-Doing; thedangers of the internal dialogue; the meaning and implications of true communion; and,ultimately, how to attain the attunement so necessary in order to live what we all desire—a profoundly meaningful life.Lujan Matus has long taught that we must shed our socially constructed selves if we wish to move into any sort of graduation process. In this book, he instructs us in that task and in sodoing, delicately but firmly moves us beyond what we think we know about ourselves, aboutthe world, and about reality.In the Preface of this book, Lujan tells us that his written works serve to “…illuminate manyfacets of the wisdom embedded within Lo Ban Pai, the encompassing practices and philosophythat I have dedicated my life to transmitting.” Later, he writes, “I hope that you will encounter who you are, and define who you are truly meant to become. May that discovery reverberate inyour life to touch upon all those you love with utmost tenderness.”This is a book to be savored slowly so that the teachings can be uncovered and discovered gradually, for this work holds out a promise—a potential that can allow you to come upon your true heart as you internalize truths hidden within truths. As Lujan himself tells us, “To walk thepath of life as your beautiful, loving self is all that matters.”Hear these words, and walk with the Master.

My whole life I’ve known that there’s more to life than meets the eye. This book is a compulsory read for true seekers. It feels like the book to end all books, yet it feels like it’s just the beginning all at the same time.