Heart Sutra, can someone please explain?

Question

I'd like to know what the Heart Sutra means? I read an english version of it and i found it very difficult to understand (my background knowledge on this is minimal.) I want to know because I'm buying a rosary bracelet with the heart sutra inscribed in it for my boyfriend. I'd like to be able to give him a little background on it when I present it to him.


Thank you so much

Answer 1

It supposed to be the concise, pocket version of all the longer Sutras. Many commentaries have been written on it.The meaning is vast, and usually commentators will have to choose what to emphasize. It is a Mahayana text, which means it reacts against the early Abhidharma sects of India and emphasizes emptiness in several way.



Zen Master Hakuin's commentary makes it fairly accessible.

Answer 2

No offense but the Heart Sutta, The Lotus Sutta, and other Mahayana suttas are considered to not be genuine by many scholars and monks, they are not the words of the Buddha.

Answer 3

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Heart+Sutra&l=1

Answer 4

You don't give love gifts to men....let them suffer and think you don't care....they actually love it, but it also takes lots of practice to get that (well, I am 42 after all)

Answer 5

Wikipedia is your friend. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_Sutra