How to Understand the Heart Sutra (Podcast Episode #017)

Selected Talks on Buddhism and Meditation by the Karmapa

The Heart Sutra (Sanskrit Prajñāpāramitāhṛdaya or Chinese 心經 Xīnjīng) is one of the most popular and important texts for understanding the Buddha’s view of reality, especially throughout East Asia, Tibet, and now the Western world.

In 2016, the Gyalwang Karmapa traveled to New Delhi and gave an extensive teaching on the Heart Sutra at the request of disciples from around the world. This was the first time that the Karmapa had taught directly on a sutra as opposed to a commentary.

These profound and very detailed teachings auspiciously began on India’s Independence Day and lasted for several days, covering topics such as history, line-by-line explanations, meditations, and even sessions where the Prajñāpāramitā Sutra was written out on paper in a calligraphy style.

A copy of the Heart Sutra written out by the Gyalwang Karmapa in calligraphy style.

Today’s podcast episode is the complete teachings on the Heart Sutra given by the Karmapa in New Delhi. At almost seven hours long, it is an inspiring and detailed look at how to truly understand this wonderful and essential text outlining the view of the Buddha for those on the Bodhisattva path.

You can download the episode in iTunes or directly using the link below. Please ensure you are subscribed in iTunes to be notified of new episodes and releases.