Essence of the Heart Sutra MP3 CD – Unabridged, August 9, 2016

Sacred texts with approachable language.

Hmmm, a remarkable book by a remarkable man on a remarkable sutra! The Heart Sutra is the essence of the Perfection of Wisdom class of sutras, which represent the "Second Turning of the Wheel of Dharma". That is to say, the second main set of teachings by the Buddha. The First Turning was on the Four Noble Truths. The Third Turning was on Buddha Nature. But the Second Turning was on the nature of reality, emptiness -- in other words, the important stuff!This is a hard literature, crystalized in the Heart Sutra, which is only a few pages but very dense (versions of it are available on-line). Here the Dalai Lama provides an excellent commentary on this difficult text by placing it within its entire Buddhist context. The result is that one is led step by step to the deepest understanding of this sutra, which is really the most profound element of the Buddha's teaching. Remarkably, then, this book can be grasped by the beginning student as well as much more experienced students. A crucial element in Buddhism is familiarization: going back over something again and again until it is understood very deeply, and then realized personally through meditation. So such approaches, that begin from the basics and move up to very profound topics, should not be seen as needless repetition, but as opportunities to really internalize the teachings.The style of His Holiness's language is always conversational, easy to read, and humorous. This is no exception. The book is also beautiful and a pleasure to read. Most important, it is a crucial teaching that can help transform our lives.

Again, I turn the page, in anticipation of the next page......and, I'm done with the book! Boy, that's initially so disappointing, until I realize the further implication: that was a great book!Great thanks to Geshe Thupten Jinpa and His Holiness the Dali Lama. Eternal prostrations!!

The Heart Sutra can be a bit of a shock to someone extending an inquiring toe into Buddhism for the first time. The book should be read slowly, with many pauses. It is a challenging read. It has become the center for my studies, but I have been a Zen Buddhist for seven years. The book is a translation, with editing, of discourses given by the Fourteenth Dalai Lama.For anyone interested in Buddhism as either religion or philosophy, or in the study of the great religions, it is a valuable buy.

What truly makes this volume remarkable is the near symbiotic relationship between Geshe Jinpa and His Holiness. The result is a a cogent exposition of one of the core Mahayana Sutras and as good a summary as you're likely to find of the Madhyamika philosophy that underpins it. A good starting point; neither so basic nor so technical as to alienate the majority of us who are trying to wrap our heads around these fundamental principles of the dharma.

The Heart Sutra is the wisdom essence of the Prajnaparamita Sutras by the Buddha Shakyamuni in the Vulture's Peak in Raighrya. His Holiness Dalai Lama, the Buddha of Compassion is a living holder of the Madhyamaka philosohy and representative of the Nalanda tradition. Combined, they produce one of the highest espiritual teaching and delightful reading experience available for all buddhist practitionersThe book begins with an amazing introduction full of information about the main topics of the teachings of Lord Buddha and the historical origins of the Prajnaparamita texts.The central topic of this teaching is the ultimate reality of Emptiness inseparable of Appearences. H.H. explains Shunyata from the Madhyamaka Prasangika philosophycal stream perspective, typical of the Gelug school. In this philosophical view there's no reference to the role of the observer and his co-arising (non -dualism) with the sourranding phenomenical appearences, neither any reference to Tatahagatarbha. Therefore I found Madhyamaka Prasangika an incomplete understanding of the nature of reality. Nevertheless it's a fundamental first approach to the teaching in this Sutra.

This is a treasure of Our Shared Heart.The Wisdom of one of the Living Buddhas, His Holiness The Dalai Lama, touches the precious jewel of the desire to be free in every human heart.Light and Love are your birthright through walking the Bodhisattva Path.I wish you Blessings of the Buddha by gifting yourself with this book.Go, go, go beyond, and establish yourself in Enlightenment.Stephen Skelton/Altair

I found this book fascinating and incredibly informative and easy to read and understand.I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has the least interest in Buddhism.