A Heart Sutra Journey | Part Twenty-Two
CLOSING THOUGHTS
The Heart Sutra is so rich that it is difficult to treat thoroughly in a few lifetimes, let alone a few weeks. But I think we've come a long way since day one in surveying the Sutra's landscape.
One of the largest takeaways is the author's obvious intent that the text was not meant to be dissected and scrutinized, rather chanted and allowed to work its magic. To again quote Fazang (643-712 C.E.), the Third Patriarch of the Huayan school, who explains this well:
“There are two meanings to this mantra: First, it can’t be explained. This is because it is the secret language of buddhas and not dependent on one’s level of understanding. One simply chants or calls it to mind, and it eliminates obstructions and increases one’s blessings and does not need an explanation. Second, if we insist on an explanation, gate means ‘gone’ or to ‘ferry across,’ which is the effect of deep wisdom. The repetition of gate means to ‘ferry oneself and also ferry others.’ Paragate means ‘the other shore,’ which is the place one is ferried to. And the san in parasangate means ‘together,’ ‘everyone ferried across together.’ Bodhi tells us what kind of ‘other shore,’ namely that of enlightenment. And svaha means ‘right now.’”
I think an overview of the Sutra really needs to include this kind of practice. I'd encourage you to try, as I know it has been very meaningful for me.
Many, many thanks for taking this brief journey together...
See the full text of the Heart Sutra at: https://oneriverzen.org/heart-sutra
