The Heart Sutra is one of the most profound and widely studied texts in the Buddhist canon which is recited at the start of teachings, events & as a blessing. In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman leads a recitation of The Heart Sutra and gives a teaching on it's connections to the Four Noble Truths and the Buddha's Eight Folk Path of liberation for all audiences.
Professor Thurman begins this podcast with an explanation of the Heart Sutra focusing on the the dialog between Shāriputra and Avalokiteśvara in the Buddha’s samadhi field, and it’s connection to Clear Light, Bliss, Relativity and how one can avoid absolutism when thinking about emptiness.
Podcast concludes with Professor Thurman explaining how the practice of reciting The Heart Sutra is the key to understanding it’s teaching as a tool for mind transformation and a reading of the the third chapter of "The Flower Ornament Sutra" as translated by Thomas Cleary.
“The Transcendent Wisdom Heart Sutra, known as The Heart Sutra in all Mahayana Buddhist countries, and The Heart of Wisdom in Tibet, is a concise expression of the profound vision of reality that is the root of liberation from suffering. Tibetan religious all know this by heart and chant is solemnly at the beginning of every ceremony. In addition to a prescription for enlightenment, they consider it the most powerful exorcism, purifier, and developer of merit as well of wisdom.”
Robert A.F. Thurman from Essential Tibetan Buddhism
Professor Thurman’s translation of the Heart Sutra can be found in his book, Essential Tibetan Buddhism, on page 171, under the chapter heading, “Practicing the Liberating Wisdom.”