The Heart Sutra
A Comprehensive Guide to the Classic of Mahayana Buddhism
By Joan Halifax, Kazuaki Tanahashi | Publisher: Shambhala
About the book
An illuminating in-depth study of one of the most well-known and recited Buddhist texts, by a renowned modern translator
The Prajna Paramita Hridaya Sutra is among the best known of all the Buddhist scriptures. Chanted daily by many Zen practitioners, it is also studied extensively in the Tibetan tradition, and it has been regarded with interest more recently in the West in various fields of study—from philosophy to quantum physics. In just a few lines, it expresses the truth of impermanence and the release of suffering that results from the understanding of that truth with a breathtaking economy of language.
Kazuaki Tanahashi’s guide to the Heart Sutra is the result of a life spent working with it and living it. He outlines the history and meaning of the text and then analyzes it line by line in its various forms (Sanskrit, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tibetan, Mongolian, and various key English translations), providing a deeper understanding of the history and etymology of the elusive words than is generally available to the non-specialist—yet with a clear emphasis on the relevance of the text to practice. This book includes a fresh and meticulous new translation of the text by the author and Roshi Joan Halifax.
Editions of The Heart Sutra
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781611800968
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781559392013
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781611803129
- EBook
- ISBN 9780834829688
Read an Excerpt
An illuminating in-depth study of one of the most well-known and recited Buddhist texts, by a renowned modern translator
The Prajna Paramita Hridaya Sutra is among the best known of all the Buddhist scriptures. Chanted daily by many Zen practitioners, it is also studied extensively in the Tibetan tradition, and it has been regarded with interest more recently in the West in various fields of study—from philosophy to quantum physics. In just a few lines, it expresses the truth of impermanence and the release of suffering that results from the understanding of that truth with a breathtaking economy of language.
Kazuaki Tanahashi’s guide to the Heart Sutra is the result of a life spent working with it and living it. He outlines the history and meaning of the text and then analyzes it line by line in its various forms (Sanskrit, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tibetan, Mongolian, and various key English translations), providing a deeper understanding of the history and etymology of the elusive words than is generally available to the non-specialist—yet with a clear emphasis on the relevance of the text to practice. This book includes a fresh and meticulous new translation of the text by the author and Roshi Joan Halifax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Heart Sutra about?
An illuminating in-depth study of one of the most well-known and recited Buddhist texts, by a renowned modern translator
The Prajna Paramita Hridaya Sutra is among the best known of all the Buddhist scriptures. Chanted daily by many Zen practitioners, it is also studied extensively in the Tibetan tradition, and it has been regarded with interest more recently in the West in various fields of study—from philosophy to quantum physics. In just a few lines, it expresses the truth of impermanence and the release of suffering that results from the understanding of that truth with a breathtaking economy of language.
Kazuaki Tanahashi’s guide to the Heart Sutra is the result of a life spent working with it and living it. He outlines the history and meaning of the text and then analyzes it line by line in its various forms (Sanskrit, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tibetan, Mongolian, and various key English translations), providing a deeper understanding of the history and etymology of the elusive words than is generally available to the non-specialist—yet with a clear emphasis on the relevance of the text to practice. This book includes a fresh and meticulous new translation of the text by the author and Roshi Joan Halifax.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Heart Sutra?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Buddhism > Buddhism: sacred texts and revered writings
Where can I read a sample of The Heart Sutra?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781611800968
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Heart Sutra?
Joan Halifax, Kazuaki Tanahashi
Who is the Publisher of the book The Heart Sutra?
Shambhala
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Heart Sutra is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781611800968) and paperback(ISBN 9781559392013) and paperback(ISBN 9781611803129) and ebook(ISBN 9780834829688)
Where can I buy The Heart Sutra online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy The Heart Sutra?