[Onervemurce]

I like this sutta a lot too. I prefer Thanissaro Bhikkhu's translation 'emptiness' to my own Bhikkhu Bodhi version. 'voidness' .

I'm not sure if I understand what the dimension of infinitude of consciousness is though, or the dimension of nothingness .

On a personal level I find that if one practices tranquility meditation (best outdoors for me) relaxing with the breath, thoughts settle, and the mind becomes peaceful and clear, expansive and empty. One can then retain this state with steadiness. With later analysis one has a basic understanding of 'emptiness' and concludes that there is an absence of I, me, mine, clinging etc. This is also useful when practicing mindfulness during everyday activities, because one can then naturally calm the mental chatter and emotions which arise.

Back to the sutta again. Having looked at the Bhikkhu Bodhi version again, with regards to what I was saying above about "the dimension of infinitude of consciousness" and "the dimension of nothingness", the Bhikkhu Bodhi translation says "the base of infinite consciousness " and " the base of nothingness." Still not sure what they mean on an experiential level though.