Introduction to the Heart Sutra
The Heart Sutra is the shortest and the most popular sutra in Buddhism. The six hundred volumes of the Maha Prajna Sutra are summarized by the Diamond Sutra in around 5000 words, and the Diamond Sutra is summarized by the Heart Sutra in around 250 words. The Heart Sutra is regarded as the summation of the wisdom of Buddha. It expresses perfectly the insight attained by non-attachment, the doctrine of emptiness.
Many Buddhist around the world recite the Heart Sutra daily. However, they may not really and fully understand what it is. Some of them may have incredible response, and benefits. In Buddhism, reciting Buddha-name and sutra has great merit and virtues. And, it is one of the effective ways in cultivation of Buddhist Way. In nearly all Buddhist monasteries and many Buddhist households, the people regularly on a daily basis recite the Heart Sutra.
If it is the first time you read Heart Sutra, you may find that it is difficult to understand because its way of thinking is different from the traditional ones. Therefore, you should be open-minded, and think deeply and carefully. The Heart Sutra reveals the entire secret of truth of the universe and life.
Don¡¯t miss it, otherwise you¡¯ll regret.
The Thousand Hands Sutra was translated into Chinese by Bhagavad Dharma, a monk from western India who carried the text to T¡¯ang China in the 8th century The Sutra translated here is an abbreviated version of a longer Sutra, The Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes Avalokitesvara Sutra of Great and Complete Compassion and contains chants and mantras from a number of other Sutras. It is considered to be a comprehensive chant containing the essence of Buddhist thought with an emphasis on Avalokitesvara¡¯s compassion. It is chanted at temples beginning of the service.
We earnestly desire that the unlimited Three Jewels will compassionately receive our devotions and that they will empower us spiritually; and furthermore, we earnestly desire that we may attain Buddhahood for all other sentient beings throughout the universes.