[Tumarimmicdak]

Though emptiness is important in the Theravada tradition, it is usually not taught as often as in the Mahayana. This might lead some to assume it is absent in the Theravada. One reason it is not taught as often is that emptiness is seen as a liberating insight rather then a philosophical view one needs to understand intellectually. Theravada’s gradual approach to awakening, includes extensive teachings on the functioning of the mind and the foundational practices that allow for the deep penetrative insight into emptiness. Emptiness is sometimes not taught until the student is ready for it. I agree with this segment to a point. Emptiness is a liberating insight which comes about via contemplation of Dependent Co-Arising. I have also noticed that in some Zen circles the emphasis is on just understanding it philosophically.

However It can be good to have an idea of what emptiness is, so that we know what the practice is about