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

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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

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.

There is something about the Dalai Lama's way of writing that I don't enjoy, perhaps its the way he puts sentences together, the mix of Science and spiritual teachings, its almost like he is trying too hard to convince you that this is a great piece of wisdom, and in doing that doesn't allow the wisdom to shine through. I much preferred Red Pines book on the Heart Sutra, especially the Skandha chapter, that a real fuse blower if your coming at it, at the right time, what ever that is...

Though the author is traditionally regarded as a reincarnation of the Bodhisattva who delivered the sutra, he makes no reference to this, and is modest and undogmatic. He seems to be seeking a middle ground between a traditional and more sceptical stance. The sutra, itself very brief, concentrates on the concept of 'emptiness' (NB not the same as non-existence!). However, in his commentary, His Holiness includes more wide-ranging discussions, including explanations of various Buddhist ideas (naturally from a Madhyamaka perspective – the dominant outlook in Tibetan Buddhism). I found his discussion of compassion moving, even though I'm doubtful of some of the underlying assumptions. At the end there's a bonus - a brief medieval Tibetan commentary which helped inform His Holiness' analysis. Though I intend to read other commentaries, this will be to complement this one, not replace it, as I have already read it twice, and appreciated it more the second time (usually a good sign!)

Was expecting to hear HHDL but instead a female voice reads the heart sutra. But it is well done and her American voice is very pleasant on the ears. The teaching is the main thing, and that is brilliant,

Excellent read.

Simple and easy to read but very deep. Another wonderful lesson from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

I think everyone should read this book to grasp the essence of Buddhism.