The Heart of the Universe: Exploring the Heart Sutra Paperback – 2 March 2010
by Mu Soeng (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 16 ratings
Form is emptiness; emptiness is form.
This is the bold and intriguing assertion of the Heart Sutra, a text of seminal importance to the Buddhist tradition made even more fascinating by its deep resonance with the cutting edges of quantum physics and cognitive science. In spare and approachable language, The Heart of the Universe deftly explores this gem of world religious literature from a variety of perspectives--historical, spiritual, linguistic, and scientific--each serving to interdependently illuminate the other.
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Review
Elegant, simple--and invaluable.--Professor Mark Unno, author of Shingon Refractions
Mu Soeng helps us understand this seminal sutra and its intuitive view of the nature of ultimate reality. He also gives his commentary an ultramodern twist by focusing on the place where quantum physics and Mahayana Buddhism converge.-- "Shambhala Sun"
Mu Soeng's The Heart of the Universe is a brief, thought-provoking commentary on the Heart Sutra. In his introduction, the author, who is the scholar in residence at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, reminds the reader that the sutra has a history, and that all who have read--and chanted--it have done so within a specific cultural context. For Soeng, quantum physics--the scientific insight that the basic particles of matter are actually in constant flux-informs how the sutra is understood in the modern West. Of course, any discussion of the Heart Sutra is going to center on the concept of emptiness--the Mahayana theory that all phenomena are without fixed and independent identity. Soeng presents his fascinating discussion of emptiness early in the book, leaving little to say when discussing the famous line 'form is emptiness, emptiness is form' in his line-by-line commentary.-- "Buddhadharma"
Mu Soeng's scientifically inspired commentary opens up the meaning of the Heart Sutra from the side of informed spiritual enquiry and direct meditative experience. Heart of the Universe carries an edge of incisive, practical wisdom.--Ajahn Amaro, abbot of Abhayagiri Monastery
Mu Soeng's treatment of this foundational text is original, clear, helpful, and wise.--Andrew Olendzki
Through his meditative wisdom and scholarly sophistication, Mu Soeng brings to life the profound richness of the Heart Sutra, capturing its transformative meaning for our lives. An in-depth exploration of a vital text.--Joseph Goldstein, author of A Heart Full of Peace and One Dharma
About the Author
Mu Soeng, a former Zen monk and teacher, is the scholar-in-residence at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. He is the author of many books on Buddhism, including Trust in Mind and The Diamond Sutra. He lives in Barre, Massachusetts.
Product details
Publisher : Wisdom Publications (2 March 2010)
Language : English
Paperback : 150 pages
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NPBM
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 StarsReviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 August 2018
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Am excellent read, and a good commentary on the Heart Sutra.
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Readsalot
5.0 out of 5 stars I've read Mu Soeng's commentaries before. His work is ...Reviewed in the United States on 16 February 2017
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I've read Mu Soeng's commentaries before. His work is always worth studying. This particular commentary really gave the Heart Sutra imagery that worked for me in a way I had not expected
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Tyson Davis
4.0 out of 5 stars Good, rational look at an important SutraReviewed in the United States on 9 December 2013
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This translation of The Heart Sutra was a very rational look at one of the most important Mahayana Sutras. I read Red Pine's translation and commentaries before this one. They compliment each other very nicely. However I would probably start with this one and then read Red Pine's since his is more dense.
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Gregory Coates
5.0 out of 5 stars As Good as IT GetsReviewed in the United States on 26 October 2013
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Mu Soeng puts himself in the same class as Red Pine (Bill Porter) and the Cleary Brothers with this outstanding work, which is a tremendous work of scholarship mixed with tremendous insight into the Heart Sutra.
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D. Apperson
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice commentaryReviewed in the United States on 16 May 2010
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Nice commentary and breakdown of the Heart Sutra. It does not have the lengthy historical/scholarly commentaries like Red Pine's Heart Sutra commentary, but I enjoyed it very much just the same.
9 people found this helpful
rad Hammers rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Relevant and insightful
Bridging the insight of a thousands of years old mantra and giving it validity to our modern context is a skilled accomplishment. This book would be beneficial to all dharma practitioners. I especially enjoyed how the book was arranged to progressively examine each line of the Sutra to explain the cultural influences and its various uses.
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D Schmudde
Dec 22, 2018D Schmudde rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: buddhism
Brilliant. Like the text the book is analyzing, it packs a lot of wisdom into a small space. Both this and Mu Soeng's writing on the Diamond Sutra are must-reads. (less)
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Gina
Jul 09, 2010Gina rated it it was amazing
Brief, well grounded account of the history of the Heart Sutra and lucid exploration of its meaning.
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Genabella
Sep 03, 2011Genabella rated it it was amazing
Blew my mind. I am keeping this one and will read it over and over.
