The Heart Sutra is considered one of the core scriptures in Mahayana Buddhist philosophy. It is the embodiment of Buddha's wisdom. It is a concise yet profound text that encapsulates the concept of non-attachment, which fundamentally revolves around the principle of emptiness.
The English Translation of the Heart Sutra is as such:
The Bodhisattva of Compassion,
When he meditated deeply,
Saw the emptiness of all five skandhas
And sundered the bonds that caused him suffering.
Here then,
Form is no other than emptiness,
Emptiness no other than form.
Form is only emptiness,
Emptiness only form.
Feeling, thought, and choice,
Consciousness itself,
Are the same as this.
All things are by nature void
They are not born or destroyed
Nor are they stained or pure
Nor do they wax or wane.
So, in emptiness, no form,
No feeling, thought, or choice,
Nor is there consciousness.
No eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind;
No colour, sound, smell, taste, touch,
Or what the mind takes hold of,
Nor even act of sensing.
Nor all that comes of ignorance;
No withering, no death,
No end of them.
Nor is there pain, or cause of pain,
Or cease in pain, or noble path
To lead from pain;
Not even wisdom to attain!
Attainment too is emptiness.
So know that the Bodhisattva
Holding to nothing whatever,
But dwelling in Prajna wisdom,
Is freed of delusive hindrance,
Rid of the fear bred by it,
And reaches clearest Nirvana.
All Buddhas of past and present,
Buddhas of future time,
Using this Prajna wisdom,
Come to full and perfect vision.
Hear then the great dharani,
The radiant peerless mantra,
The Prajnaparamita
Whose words allay all pain;
Hear and believe its truth!
Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha
Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha
Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha
It is encouraged for Buddhist devotees to recite the Heart Sutra on a daily basis. The benefits include:
1. Increases Wisdom: The Heart Sutra centers on the core of emptiness - the absence of inherent existence. By reciting this mantra, individuals can grasp this concept better and cultivate the insight to perceive reality beyond its material aspects.
2. Cleanses Negative Karma: Regularly reciting the Heart Sutra Mantra can effectively cleanse negative karmic imprints and remove obstacles that might hinder spiritual progress.
3. Boosts Concentration and Focus: The rhythmic repetition inherent in chanting the mantra fosters the development of heightened concentration and enhanced focus, qualities that can have practical benefits in daily activities.
4. Soothes the Mind: Reverberations of the Heart Sutra Mantra are believed to possess a tranquil influence on the mind, fostering a sense of inner serenity and mental lucidity.
5. Protection: Among its attributes, the Heart Sutra Mantra is thought to act as a shield, safeguarding individuals from unfavorable energies or potential harm when recited.
In recent years, many devotees have also started copying the Heart Sutra on paper. This can help them to calm their minds, cultivate patience, build good karma and get in touch with Buddha's teaching. You can start your practice today too! We have a selection of the Heart Sutra Writing Booklets for you to choose from. Click here to shop now!