The Heart of Understanding: Commentaries on the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra
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Book Overview
A radical new interpretation of one of the most important Buddhist sutras, the Heart Sutra--from the great Zen Master and author The Miracle of Mindfulness.
Thich Nhat Hanh's accessible reading of the Heart Sutra demystifies the foundational teachings of the Buddha, making this a perfect introduction to Buddhism for beginners. In September 2014, Thich Nhat Hanh completed a profound and beautiful new English translation of the Praj aparamita Heart Sutra, one of the most important, well-known Buddhist sutras and part of the very foundation of Buddhist thought. The Heart Sutra is recited daily in Mahayana temples and practice centers throughout the world. This new translation came about because Thich Nhat Hanh believes that the patriarch who originally compiled the Heart Sutra was not sufficiently skillful with his use of language to capture the intention of the Buddha's teachings--and has resulted in fundamental misunderstandings of the central tenets of Buddhism for almost 2,000 years. In The Other Shore, Thich Nhat Hanh provides the new translation with commentaries based on his interpretation. Revealing the Buddha's original intention and insight makes clear what it means to transcend duality and pairs of opposites, such as birth and death, and to touch the ultimate reality and the wisdom of nondiscrimination. By helping to demystify the term "emptiness," the Heart Sutra is made more accessible and understandable.
Thich Nhat Hanh's accessible reading of the Heart Sutra demystifies the foundational teachings of the Buddha, making this a perfect introduction to Buddhism for beginners. In September 2014, Thich Nhat Hanh completed a profound and beautiful new English translation of the Praj aparamita Heart Sutra, one of the most important, well-known Buddhist sutras and part of the very foundation of Buddhist thought. The Heart Sutra is recited daily in Mahayana temples and practice centers throughout the world. This new translation came about because Thich Nhat Hanh believes that the patriarch who originally compiled the Heart Sutra was not sufficiently skillful with his use of language to capture the intention of the Buddha's teachings--and has resulted in fundamental misunderstandings of the central tenets of Buddhism for almost 2,000 years. In The Other Shore, Thich Nhat Hanh provides the new translation with commentaries based on his interpretation. Revealing the Buddha's original intention and insight makes clear what it means to transcend duality and pairs of opposites, such as birth and death, and to touch the ultimate reality and the wisdom of nondiscrimination. By helping to demystify the term "emptiness," the Heart Sutra is made more accessible and understandable.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1941529143
ISBN13:9781941529140
Release Date:July 2017
Publisher:Palm Leaves Press
Length:136 Pages
Weight:0.45 lbs.
Dimensions:0.6" x 5.5" x 8.1"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
This is an absolute gem
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
In a very few words, Thich Nhat Hanh puts in very simple terms what many of us struggle to come to terms with - the esoteric Dharma-teachings on emptiness. Perhaps it's the Zen-born simplicity that makes this treatise so approachable and readable.This would be a good book for newcomers to Buddhism who hear about emptiness and hairs stand up on the back of their neck. A gentle and skilful introduction to profundity.A must read for anyone with an interest in emptiness as applied in our conventional world.
Incredible wisdom made accessible.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Thich Nhat Hanh sheds light on this superb Buddhist text. The paradoxical language of the scripture is important to convey the illusory qualities of emptiness and individual existence. Unfortunately this language makes it extremely difficult to understand. Hanh takes this esoteric teaching and explains it to a child. I recommend any of his sutra translations and commentaries.
Clearly written, very accessible.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
This was the first book I read by Thich Nhat Hanh. I had heard a lot about him prior to this. When I read the book, I could easily see why there is so much excitement about him and his works. He writes in a very clear, very accessible style. This book is a commentary on the Heart Sutra. The Heart Sutra is said to contain the essence of Buddhist teachings. I would recommend any book written by Thich Nhat Hanh!
The best commentary on the Heart Sutra I have ever read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
He explains the sometimes frightening truths of emptiness in a manner which melts the fears away with understanding. As you read this book, you can feel how much the author wants the reader to understand the text and how much he wants to benefit the reader. It's so easy to just allow your mind to relax and rest on the Sutra as you read through it. Very enjoyable and highly recommended.
Incredible!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
I still cannot believe that anyone was able to explain emptiness in such a beautiful fashion. I honestly cried with joy while I read this book. Please read it!
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