~ Translated and Edited by Geshe Thupten Jinpa
Purchase Essence of the Heart Sutra: The Dalai Lama’s Heart of Wisdom Teaching at Barnes & Noble
Reviewed by Julie H.
The Heart of Wisdom (a.k.a. the Heart Sutra), is one of the most sacred texts of Mahayana Buddhism. This short book has helped me understand the essential Buddhist concept of emptiness. “The idea is that much of what we perceive as obstacles actually stem from the deeply ingrained clinging to our own existence and to the self-centeredness this produces. By reflecting deeply upon the essentially empty nature of all things, we undercut any basis for the so-called obstacles to take root within us.” Because the Heart Sutra is central to Buddhist philosophy, no matter what tradition, this book is useful for all Buddhists, not just those who study the Tibetan tradition.