Essence of the Heart Sutra: The Dalai Lama's Heart of Wisdom Teachings
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In Essence of the Heart Sutra, the Dalai Lama masterfully unpacks the Heart Sutra so that any reader can benefit from its teachings - teachings meant to help us release ourselves from suffering and live with true compassion. Comprised of his ""Heart of Wisdom"" talks, originally delivered to thousands of listeners in 2001, the book offers the Dalai Lama's commentary as well as his easy-to-follow overview of Buddhist philosophy that places the sutra within its historical and philosophical context. With additional contributions by scholar and translator Thupten Jinpa, Essence of the Heart Sutra is the authoritative presentation of a text seminal to the world's religious heritage.
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Review
"Lovingly and wisely edited by Jinpa, the bulk of the book is consumed with a fairly meaty exploration of the Heart of Wisdom sutra, a classical Mahayana text, and as such will be useful to established practitioners as well as neophytes."--Publishers Weekly
"In the spring of 2001, the Dalai Lama spoke to an audience of 8,000 people in California. This book is a translation of that teaching. He begins with a morally stirring defense of the spiritual practice of unity saying that we are not strangers--all of us are human beings: 'Differences in belief, just like differences in experience, are minor compared to our common humanity. The essential thing is that we are all the same in being human--thinking, feeling and being aware. We all share this one planet and we are all members of one big human family.' Courageous words from a spiritual leader in exile. Stirring words from a wisdom teacher who refuses to give in to tribal hatreds and violence afoot all around the world. The Dalai Lama believes that all the world's religions must speak out in support of compassion, forgiveness, brotherhood, and sisterhood. That is why he also calls for global participation in inner disarmament by individuals and communities. In the second half of this volume, the Dalai Lama talks about the Heart Sutra and its emphasis upon emptiness as a prelude to compassion."--Spirituality and Health
"In this volume, the Dalai Lama demonstrates how the core teachings of Buddhism and other major schools of thought are contained within the text of the Heart Sutra. [In fact, ] the worldview in these ancient teachings has an eerie resemblance to the world as described by 20th-century quantum physics. ... With his usual penetrating intelligence, simple humanity, humor and compassion, he advocates that we should maintain our own spiritual traditions (Hindu, Christian, etc) while learning from others. 'In family life, social life, working life, and political life, inner disarmament is, above all, what humanity needs.'"--NAPRA ReVIEW
"In Essence of the Heart Sutra, the Dalai Lama translates and interprets a central teaching of Buddhism with his trademark precision and straight talk. In the Heart Sutra, the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara describes how to train in the perfection of wisdom by seeing through the illusions of all things. The Dalai Lama goes through the text passage by passage, after an extensive introduction to the basics of Buddhism and the Mahayana tradition's emphasis on emptiness, and shows how understanding emptiness is a key to happiness and liberation from suffering. Who better to explain it than the man reported to be the present-day incarnation of Avalokiteshvara himself?"----Brian Bruya --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
About the Author
Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He frequently describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. Born in northeastern Tibet in 1935, he was as a toddler recognized as the incarnation of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama and brought to Tibet's capital, Lhasa. In 1950, Mao Zedong's Communist forces made their first incursions into eastern Tibet, shortly after which the young Dalai Lama assumed the political leadership of his country. He passed his scholastic examinations with honors at the Great Prayer Festival in Lhasa in 1959, the same year Chinese forces occupied the city, forcing His Holiness to escape to India. There he set up the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, working to secure the welfare of the more than 100,000 Tibetan exiles and prevent the destruction of Tibetan culture. In his capacity as a spiritual and political leader, he has traveled to more than sixty-two countries on six continents and met with presidents, popes, and leading scientists to foster dialogue and create a better world. In recognition of his tireless work for the nonviolent liberation of Tibet, the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. In 2012, he relinquished political authority in his exile government and turned it over to democratically elected representatives.
His Holiness frequently states that his life is guided by three major commitments: the promotion of basic human values or secular ethics in the interest of human happiness, the fostering of interreligious harmony, and securing the welfare of the Tibetan people, focusing on the survival of their identity, culture, and religion. As a superior scholar trained in the classical texts of the Nalanda tradition of Indian Buddhism, he is able to distill the central tenets of Buddhist philosophy in clear and inspiring language, his gift for pedagogy imbued with his infectious joy. Connecting scientists with Buddhist scholars, he helps unite contemplative and modern modes of investigation, bringing ancient tools and insights to bear on the acute problems facing the contemporary world. His efforts to foster dialogue among leaders of the world's faiths envision a future where people of different beliefs can share the planet in harmony. Wisdom Publications is proud to be the premier publisher of the Dalai Lama's more serious and in-depth works.
Thupten Jinpa Langri was educated in the classical Tibetan monastic academia and received the highest academic degree of Geshe Lharam (equivalent to a doctorate in divinity). Jinpa also holds a BA in philosophy and a PhD in religious studies, both from the University of Cambridge, England. Since 1985, he has been the principal translator to the Dalai Lama, accompanying him to the United States, Canada, and Europe. He has translated and edited many books by the Dalai Lama, including The World of Tibetan Buddhism, Essence of the Heart Sutra, and the New York Times bestseller Ethics for the New Millennium.
Jinpa has published scholarly articles on various aspects of Tibetan culture, Buddhism, and philosophy, and books such as Songs of Spiritual Experience: Tibetan Poems of Awakening and Insight (co-authored) and Self, Reality and Reason in Tibetan Thought. He serves on the advisory board of numerous educational and cultural organizations in North America, Europe, and India. He is currently the president and the editor-in-chief of the Institute of Tibetan Classics, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to translating key Tibetan classics into contemporary languages. He also currently chairs the Mind and Life Institute.
--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
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ASIN : B003VYBP2O
Publisher : Wisdom Publications (10 September 2005)
Language : English
File size : 723 KB
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Print length : 182 pages
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The Essence of the Heart Sutra: The Dalai Lama's Heart of Wisdom Teachings
by Dalai Lama XIV, Thupten Jinpa (Editor)
4.27 · Rating details · 589 ratings · 61 reviews
For more than two thousand years, the Heart Sutra has been part of the daily life of millions of Buddhists. This concise text, so rich and laden with meaning, concentrates the very heart of Buddhism into a powerful and evocative teaching on the interdependence of all reality.
In Essence of the Heart Sutra, the Dalai Lama masterfully unpacks the Heart Sutra so that any reader can benefit from its teachings - teachings meant to help us release ourselves from suffering and live with true compassion. Comprised of his "Heart of Wisdom" talks, originally delivered to thousands of listeners in 2001, the book offers the Dalai Lama's commentary as well as his easy-to-follow overview of Buddhist philosophy that places the sutra within its historical and philosophical context. With additional contributions by scholar and translator Thupten Jinpa, Essence of the Heart Sutra is the authoritative presentation of a text seminal to the world's religious heritage. (less)
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Published July 7th 2005 by Wisdom Publications (first published January 1st 2002)
Original TitleEssence of the Heart Sutra: The Dalai Lama's Heart of Wisdom Teachings
ISBN0861712846 (ISBN13: 9780861712847)
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robin friedman
Jun 05, 2017robin friedman rated it it was amazing
The Dalai Lama On The Heart Sutra
In its enigmatic 25 lines, the Heart Sutra is one of the most difficult of Buddhist Scriptures but also one of the most rewarding. It is a basic text of Mahayana Buddhism and recited daily in monasteries and by practicing Buddhists throughout the world.
There are many commentaries, ancient and modern, on this text, but I found this recent book by the Dalai Lama, "Essence of the Heart Sutra" an outstanding place for the beginner to start. The Dalai Lama's book also will reward study by those having great prior familiarity with the text. The book is based on a series of lectures that the Dalai Lama gave at the Land of Medicine Buddhist center in California and at the Three Rivers Dharma in Pittsburg.
This work is much more than a commentary on the Heart Sutra. It is equally valuable as an introduction to Buddhism and as a compendium of the teachings of the Dalai Lama. It is instructive to see how the Dalai Lama weaves his broad material together into a coherent whole. Thus, in the first part of the book, the Dalai Lama offers broad-based comments on the spiritual dimension of life, of the relationship between Buddhism and other religions, and of the fundamentals of Buddhist teachings. It is inspiring to hear words of ecumenism, tolerance, and willingness to learn from others. It is also important to read the Dalai Lama's exposition of the basic Buddhist teaching of Dependent Origination, which is, in later sections of the book, tied masterfully to the interpretation of the Heart Sutra.
The second part of the book offers a translation and commentary on the Heart Sutra. Consistent with his opening chapters, the Dalai Lama stresses the continuity between this Mahayana text and its earlier predecessors in Theravada Buddhism. (Many other commentaries emphasize how the Heart Sutra departs from and differs from its predecessors.) In addition, in a few brief pages the Dalai Lama offers great insight into the fundamental teaching of emptiness --- that reality is "empty of intrinsic existence." He points out clearly that the Sutra does not teach that nothing exists -- a nihilistic doctrine. Instead, the Dalai Lama relates the teaching of the Sutra to the doctrine of Dependent Origination -- stressing the lack of independent existence, substantiality, and ego. He discusses different ways in which various Buddhist schools interpret the doctrine of emptiness -- including the "mind-only" school and two variants of the "middle-way" school. This material is difficult but important and not stressed in various other commentaries that I have read.
The final part of the Dalai' Lama's study discusses the Bodhisattva path of Mahayana Buddhism -- the decision to dedicate oneself to the welfare of others -- and relates it to the text of the Heart Sutra. There are teachings and practices here on learning to practice lovingkindness, also set forth in other writings of the Dalai Lama, but informed here by the discussion of emptiness and nonclinging in the Heart Sutra. This discussion, and the short epilogue, tie together the ecumenical material in the book with the elucidation and analysis of the Heart Sutra.
This book presents difficult, profound teachings in an accessible readable way. It is ideal for the beginning student or for those who want to explore the Heart Sutra to see what it might offer. It also presents an exposition of this text by the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. For those who want to read further and compare and contrast other approaches to this inexhaustible text, I recommend Red Pine's study "The Heart Sutra" and Donald Lopez' "Elaborations of Emptiness", a detailed and difficult analysis of the Heart Sutra in light of its earliest Indian and Tibetan commentaries.
Robin Friedman (less)
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Amy-Lee
Dec 30, 2015Amy-Lee rated it really liked it
Very interesting (though not light!) read. It's well written and accessible. I knew very little about Buddhism when I picked up this book, and maybe I still don't know much, but I feel like I have a general sense of the concept of "emptiness" and how it might benefit people. (less)
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Mike Zickar
Jan 30, 2018Mike Zickar rated it liked it
Shelves: zen
This is a good summary of Buddhist theology as it relates to emptiness and the Heart Sutra, though it is largely a scholarly text. There is little personality or personal experience in here that may guide the practitioner.
I suspect that this is a book that would reward additional readings. . .
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Demi
Aug 10, 2008Demi rated it it was amazing
At my local Buddhist Centre, I was once asked to recommend a book to a beginner on Emptiness. Now this is can be a tough one. The subject of Emptiness is a beautiful and unique teaching of Buddhism, but there's no doubt that it's also incredibly profound and a topic that can be easily misunderstood. After much thought, I finally settled on recommending The Essence of the Heart Sutra by H.H the 14th Dalai Lama.
This book deconstructs a relative short sutra, The Heart Sutra, which covers the subject of Emptiness. The reason why this book is so good for beginners is largely due to the skill in which His Holiness explains Emptiness. He has a wonderful knack of discussing what can be a very complex topic in terms that even non-Buddhists can easily comprehend. His Holiness' humility is always tempered by his vast & well-studied knowledge and as he teaches on the Heart Sutra, you can tell that his understanding isn't just intellectual but based on deep and personal reflection.
By reading this book, not only will you gain insight into what the Heart Sutra is all about but also how Tibetan Buddhists understand and use Emptiness. I hope you enjoy this lovely read (and don't worry, the book is a manageable size in terms of reading time) as much as I did. (less)
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Emily Schirmer
Dec 13, 2014Emily Schirmer rated it liked it
Overall, this is a very good book. Very informative, as well as inspirational. I do, however, feel that at times it was a bit dense. I appreciate such a thorough breakdown and explanation of the Heart Sutra, but sometimes a more general summary is appreciated. Although the book is careful to explain all aspects of the explanation/breakdown, it still helps to have some basic background education/understanding of Buddhism prior to reading – it just makes it a bit easier to sift through. Other than that, the detailed synopsis of the Heart Sutra was very compelling and informative, and I always enjoy furthering my understanding of the beautiful teachings of this religion. I find that many traditionally Buddhist practices are beneficial when applied to my own life. Very comforting, and a worthwhile read. (less)
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Sybil
Jan 31, 2008Sybil rated it really liked it
Shelves: read-and-recommend
Happiness is all up to you.
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S.H. Villa
Apr 27, 2015S.H. Villa rated it it was amazing
I was surprised by how short the Heart Sutra is. Only three pages out of 150. How long does to take to say everything is ‘emptiness’?
Therefore, Shariputra, in emptiness there is no form, no feelings, no perceptions, no mental formations, and no consciousness. There is no eye, no ear, no nose, no tongue, no body, and no mind. There is no form, no sound, no smell, no taste, no texture, and no mental objects. There is no eye-element and so on up to no mind-element including up to no element of mental consciousness. There is no ignorance, there is no extinction of ignorance, and so on up to no aging and death and no extinction of aging and death. Likewise, there is no suffering, origin, cessation, or path; there is no wisdom, no attainment, and even no non-attainment…
Therefore, Shariputra, since bodhisattvas have no attainments they rely on this perfection of wisdom and abide in it. Having no obscuration in their minds, they have no fear, and by going utterly beyond error, they will reach the end of nirvana.
The Dalai Lama then helps us understand how this teaching can be true, and how it can be useful to us. Emptiness is a difficult concept to teach. Buddha’s attempt to leave us a trail of breadcrumbs has given rise to many descriptions of those crumbs, many interpretations. Buddhism has split into many schools, so the Dalai Lama gives us a number of different and/or deeper points of view. There were places in the exegesis where this swapping between points of view was distracting, especially as the Heart Sutra was saying the end of nirvana lies beyond all points of view. I would have found it interesting to hear how the Dalai Lama himself used the text in connection his own spiritual journey.
To compare the Heart Sutra with a text from the Christian tradition, A Course in Miracles comes at ‘emptiness’ from a different direction, but says much the same. The first lesson in The Course is: Nothing I see means anything. Then goes on in Lesson 5 to tell us about suffering: I am never upset for the reason I think. Lesson 16: I have no neutral thoughts. Lesson 22: What I see is a form of vengeance. By Lesson 27, we are engaged in the journey out of suffering: Above all else I want to see. Then God appears in Lesson 29: God is in everything I see. Lesson 97: I am spirit. Lesson 121: Forgiveness is the key to happiness.
While Buddhism shows us the dependent and therefore empty nature of perception, and the dependent nature of all manifest phenomena, encouraging us to see the emptiness of the definitions and values we place on all aspects of manifest life, thereby seeing them for what they are – empty; The Course also shows us the subjective and meaningless nature of perception which attacks self by attacking others, encouraging us to release our judgments on all such phenomena through forgiveness and so find our own innocence, our ontological Self, which we share with all life.
In the Heart Sutra, purity – innocence – is attained by Having no obstruction in their minds, they have no fear, and by going utterly beyond error, they will reach the end of nirvana.
What is ultimately true in Buddhism is the buddha state, the buddha mind, enlightenment. Only ignorance holds us back, subjecting us to karma, afflictions and conceptualisation, taking the form of the ‘three poisons’ – craving, hatred and delusion. Of course in a deistic theosophy, there is always God in the background. On the whole, I prefer the non-deistic philosophy of Buddhism. Less cluttered and confusing – ‘God’ means so many different things!
It is now held by physicists that the universe arose from literally nothing. Emptiness. This empty vacuum split into positive and negative particles. This can be reproduced in experiments and these particles last only an infinitesimally small instant, recombine and disappear. However, the big bang gave rise to a whole universe. It is theorised by some physicists that positive particles exceeded negative by one part in a billion, and so remained, forming our universe. Others say both the positive and the negative remain and a large amount of negative or ‘dark’ matter is hanging about unseen, unmeasured, and could or will recombine with the positive, resulting in a return to emptiness. Whatever physicists theorise, this emptiness is very reminiscent of the Heart Sutra which says: Form is emptiness, emptiness is form; emptiness is not other than form, form too is not other than emptiness.
If form is empty and has no intrinsic meaning, can it be said to exist at all? The various schools of Buddhism have been much exercised by this question. The Dalai Lama is of the emphatic opinion it does exist. He says: Form lacks intrinsic or independent existence; thus its nature is emptiness… We should not, however, understand this self-emptiness or emptiness of self-nature to mean that form is empty of itself; this would be tantamount to denying the reality of form, which, as I have been repeatedly emphasizing, these teachings do not do. But do they?
The Dalai Lama is also keen for us to understand that Buddhism is not nihilistic. There is right, there is wrong, there is a morality. But the Heart Sutra could be easily interpreted to say: nothing has an intrinsic meaning; there is no right, no wrong. So what is, is, and anything goes. But this, of course, could be asserted only from a position of ignorance and contribute to our burden of karma, which in turn anchors that ignorance. A self-serving belief or action would itself make enlightenment, and so too the end of suffering, impossible.
As Lao Tse said, The path that can be spoken of is not the true path. No doubt, Buddha was well aware of how impossible it is to use words to engender an understanding which is beyond words, ineffable. Did he then use few words, words which might shock disciples into understanding, into wisdom? Perhaps inducing satori? (A later Zen Buddhist concept, but the principle might have been used earlier.)
So how to arrive? By meditation. Sit down, manoeuvre your legs into the full lotus and the use of concepts in meditation gradually recedes. When all dualistic perceptions of subject and object, of conventional reality, and of intrinsic existence are removed, one enters the path of seeing. At this point, there is no separation of subject and object; it is as if the subjective experience and its object have become fused, like water poured into water, and one’s meditation on emptiness becomes unmediated and direct. During the stages of meditation one progresses through levels, leaving behind mental afflictions, arriving at stage 10 where one encounters only the footprints of those afflictions, and from there, on to omniscient mind, a new buddha.
It was the last chapter which I felt gave me a handle on how to make this text useful. To develop compassion.
A Course in Miracles asserts on many occasions that ‘only Love is real’ and offers us the path of forgiveness to release all our meaningless judgments and definitions, to release concepts of guilt and sin, to find our own innocence and experience that Love, that unity with Source, with Spirit, to do what we have all come to do – bring the light, save the world. Buddhism does the same, inviting us to develop compassion. In order to shuffle off the ego self and open ourselves to wisdom, we must experience the opposite of self-grasping: bodhichitta. This is our altruistic intention to attain enlightenment, to awaken not just ourselves but to save all sentient beings from suffering. To achieve this, we develop a strong sense of empathy and gratitude toward other sentient beings. This allows genuine intimacy with all beings. Also, we cultivate a deep recognition of the fundamental sameness of oneself with others.
Compassion, our first step on the path to end suffering for all.
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Sandy
Nov 16, 2017Sandy rated it it was amazing
A reread: Authoritative analysis of the Heart Sutra. The front and back are fairly dry. The middle is the analysis and definition of emptiness, which is so important. This is where the book shines.
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Grace B.
Apr 01, 2022Grace B. rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: religion-spirituality
If you started reading this book to learn about the Heart Sutra, you're in the wrong place. It is what it says it is - just an essence. I wonder who is it for. It's mostly regurgitated opinions suitable for people who know nothing about Buddhism, but then it proceeds to explain how to reach enlightenment (in a very bland, unusable way). Why deceive the readers? The people who are already introduced to Buddhism might find more fruitful to just read the Heart Sutra itself. I wouldn't recommend this book. (less)
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Barbara
Jun 03, 2012Barbara rated it it was amazing
Everyone says hard to read, but...It was the first Buddhist book that I read.
It fell into my hands by accident, or, by auspicious reason...I could not put it down.
I took more notes than ever in my life, and looked up more references and words than ever in my life too!
Then went with a neighbor to walk atop a hill and I discussed with her finding Mahayana Buddhist Teachers after reading this book. It just happened there was an FPMT very small group starting here in Austin, TX. where we were blessed to meet two wonderful lamas at different times visiting. Geshe Tashi Tsering from London, and Geshe Thubten Soepa from Canada. Both Tibetan Lamas, wonderful teachers! Thank you your Holiness Dalai Lama for this profound book! I must read it a few mor times in this lifetime:)!
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Kirstian
Aug 04, 2011Kirstian rated it it was amazing
Amazing! Whenever Jinpa and His Holiness team up, some kind of magic is bound to happen. This is one of those works that, out of nowhere, delivers all kinds of answers and insights into things that have nothing (overtly) to do with the specified topic. It was so inspiring that somehow, I found a way to (similarly) milk a comparative essay out of it...;)
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Brian Pond
Oct 23, 2021Brian Pond rated it really liked it
Very good, but there’s a LOT to unpack. Definitely something to reread and study.
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Silas
May 31, 2022Silas rated it really liked it · review of another edition
As a non-Buddhist with a fair amount of knowledge through world religion courses and some reading on the historical arc of Buddhism, this wasn't too hard to follow. It begins with a brief section on Buddhism as a world religion, then some look at Tibetan Buddhism in its place in Buddhist history, and finally the bulk of the book is a theological look at one particular Sutra. Some of the distinctions discussed are quite fine, but are carefully laid out so as to be understandable, even to a lay person from outside the religion with just a bit of grounding. I was previously unfamiliar with the Heart Sutra, but it is included here in its entirety, and then commented upon, so it was not an issue. I found several of the discussed ideas quite interesting, even from an outside perspective, even if I came to different conclusions on a few things. It was interesting to take a look inside a perspective that was rather different from my own, and in detail. (less)
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Tom Walsh
Feb 25, 2021Tom Walsh rated it really liked it
A Little Technical for the non-Student.
Since this is an effort to parse the rather complicated structure of the Buddhist Belief System, it is understandably complicated. As my interest and attraction to Buddhism is fairly superficial, I can’t say that I made too much of an effort to follow some of the intricate descriptions of the divisions and levels of the system discussed.
I was intrigued, though, by so many similarities between the teachings of the Sutra and the concepts like Form and Substance discussed by the Early Greek and Roman Philosophers half a World away. True understanding of The Heart Sutra is the work of a lifetime of study but this book was an interesting introduction.
I found the narration a little too fast and had to slow her down to .9X to be able to follow some of the sections, however.
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Kelly Kerns
Jun 23, 2021Kelly Kerns rated it really liked it
Like other books I've read by the Dalai Lama parts of this are very accessible and others very deep and philosophical.
Parts 1 and 3 are easily understood "How-Tos" on the practical application of general Buddhist philosophy to everyday life. The messaging is clear, concise and meaningful. The humility with which the Dalai Lama approaches his teaching is refreshing and insightful as to the true application of The Path.
Part 2 is an in-depth analysis of the Heart Sutra. The concept of Emptiness is explained with care to prevent conceptualizing the extremes of Nihilism and Existential Absolutism. This is heady stuff. Definitely worth repeated reading to fully grasp this essential tenant of Buddhism.
Overall this book is part application and part theory. Apply the parts you can, and study the others. (less)
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Magnus Lidbom
Oct 19, 2018Magnus Lidbom rated it it was ok · review of another edition
Shelves: buddhism, spirituality, non_fiction, personal_growth
I was looking for deeper practical insight into the mind training, psychology and philosophy of Buddhism. This was not that.
To me much of it read like an attempt at a god proof, except that he was trying to prove his version of Buddhism to be correct or how some cryptic statements should be interpreted. Tons of long sections of tortured logic apparently based on some assumptions about how certain parts of Buddhist doctrine can be assumed to be correct because they can be assumed be be written by the Buddha and the Buddha can be assumed to be omniscient. It was blindingly obvious that given the original statements you could come up with a ton of interpretations and it would be literally impossible to prove which was "correct". Not my cup of tea at all. (less)
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Bob Woodley
Feb 28, 2020Bob Woodley rated it liked it
Shelves: religion-philosophy
In this book, the Heart Sutra is used to guide an overview of Mahayana Buddhism. Since the Sutra deals with Emptiness the Dalai Lama has to add a post-script covering Boddhichitta to balance out the narrative.
Sometimes avoiding any Sanskrit words makes the text less pithy and more vague at least to me. Is "Heart of Wisdom" really better than Prajñāpāramitā? Is "aggregate" really better than Skanda?
Mahayana teachings are completely revolutionary and are transforming contemporary society. So why must so many texts repeat the old debates between the Madhyamika and Yogacara schools? It reminds me of Scholasticism.
But when the world's most revered Buddhist teacher writes a book on the most widely chanted Buddhist Sutra the result is worthwhile of course.
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John Stepper
Dec 23, 2018John Stepper rated it really liked it
I continue to be amazed at how the Dali Lama makes the seemingly impenetrable wisdom of ancient texts so simple and clear. For example, I never thought I would understand “Form is emptiness. Emptiness is form.” - and even wrote it off as unnecessarily obtuse - until I read this book.
Also, this is yet another wonderful translation of HHDL’s work into English by Thutpen Jinpa.
Now to look for more of these enlightening texts! (Pun intended, alas.)
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Chris Zhang
Oct 20, 2021Chris Zhang rated it it was amazing
Very solid commentary on the Heart Sutra that can be as accessible and clear as one wishes it to be. Certainly, some segments are simple in prose and others delve into deeper logical flows, but altogether the Dalai Lama and Thupten Jinpa do an excellent job at elucidating and fleshing out the meaning of the Heart Sutra.
I read this on a recommendation from a friend who said the Heart Sutra was a really wholesome moment of reading and reflection for him.
I am inclined to agree!
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Cassandra Giovanni
Mar 03, 2019Cassandra Giovanni rated it liked it
I prefer Thich Nhat Hahn's review of the Heart Sutra. The Lama's explanation is muddy and is not written an an inspirational way. It feels scientific and unconnected to the reader. While the heart sutra is about emptiness and intrinsic reality, the Lama makes it very convoluted. I'd recommend Thich Nhat Hahn's book, but not this one. (less)
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Lon
Dec 31, 2020Lon rated it liked it · review of another edition
Of the four commentaries I've used to better study the Prajñāpāramitāhrdaya, or "Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom" sutra, this was the least helpful to me right now. Two stars for the book, but the introductory chapter reflecting on fruitful approaches to religion shone with wisdom and grace and I'll be returning to it from time to time. (less)
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Felicity
May 22, 2021Felicity rated it it was amazing
Shelves: buddha-love
A really beautiful book and nicely structured text. Although I am still a little overwhelmed by the idea of emptiness this book has helped me a lot as it is concise and more accessible than some of the other texts I have read on this subject. I recommended reading a chapter then meditating on it.
I can’t stand Richard Gere as an actor but I am very thankful for this book.
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Richard Pickett
Aug 16, 2017Richard Pickett rated it it was amazing
Shelves: audio
Excellent for being short and too the point on understanding some of the differences of beliefs in various forms of Buddhism at a high level and a handful of valuable insights on what is meant by "emptiness". (less)
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Alison
Dec 14, 2017Alison rated it it was amazing
Excellent explanation of the the Heart Sutra! The chapters on how Chittamtra and Madhyamaka differ in their interpretation and the hidden teaching on the Five Paths were particularly concise and helpful to my understanding.
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Mark
Dec 25, 2019Mark rated it really liked it · review of another edition
I have carefully, and methodically, attempted to digest the teachings based on the Heart Sutra. It is my belief that i can spend a lifetime and never attain the Buddha's words. The journey is in the striving. ...more
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Misaki Acuna
Aug 07, 2021Misaki Acuna rated it really liked it
I love the approach the 14th Dalai Lama takes on his books and speech. But it was a tad too advanced for me to understand the Tibetan Buddhism. Although I am not a religious follower of any kind, there are much to learn from their religion and culture. “Love and kindness to all living beings” 🥰
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Marc Preston Moss
Oct 22, 2021Marc Preston Moss rated it it was amazing
A thorough explanation of one of the most recited sutras in all of Buddhism. HHDL demystifies one of the most difficult concepts in Buddhist philosophy and guides the reader to an understanding of the application of this very important principle in improving happiness in our daily lives.
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ジェイミー
Jan 14, 2018ジェイミー rated it it was ok
Shelves: religion-philosophy
They try to blend a bit of history with the spirit of the sutra and fail to achieve both goals. I never felt more uninspired after reading a book about the heart sutra.
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Shabana
Aug 05, 2018Shabana rated it it was amazing
Shelves: tibetan-teachings
Wisdom teaching truly. Beautiful read
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Adwitiya Patro
Dec 29, 2018Adwitiya Patro rated it really liked it
Compassion is the key.
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