The Heart Sutra Explained (Suny Series in Buddhist Studies) - Softcover

Lopez Jr., Donald S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0887065902 ISBN 13: 9780887065903

Publisher: State University of New York Press, 1987

Synopsis

Renowned for its terse declaration of the perfection of wisdom, the Heart Sutra is the most famous of Buddhist scriptures. The author draws on previously unexamined commentaries, preserved only in Tibetan, to investigate the meanings derived from and invested into the sutra during the later period of Indian Buddhism.

The Heart Sutra Explained offers new insights on "form is emptiness, emptiness is form," on the mantra "gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha," and on the synthesis of Madhyamika, Yogacara, and tantric thought that characterized the final period of Buddhism in India. It also includes complete translations of two nineteenth century Tibetan commentaries demonstrating the selective appropriation of Indian sources.

About this title

Review:

"It makes a major contribution to Buddhist studies by bringing forth new and important material to contextualize one of the most beloved and well-known Buddhist texts, the Heart Sutra. It does so in a manner that is both scholarly and readable." -- Anne C. Klein, Stanford University

About this edition

• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0887065902
• ISBN 13: 9780887065903
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240