The Heart of the Universe: Exploring the Heart Sutra

by Mu Soeng

Form is emptiness; emptiness is form.

This is the bold and intriguing assertion of the Heart Sutra, a text of seminal importance to the Buddhist tradition made even more fascinating by its deep resonance with the cutting edges of quantum physics and cognitive science. In spare and approachable language, The Heart of the Universe deftly explores this gem of world religious literature from a variety of perspectives--historical, spiritual, linguistic, and scientific--each serving to interdependently illuminate the other.

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy, Spirituality

150 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Brad Hammers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relevant and insightful

Bridging the insight of a thousands of years old mantra and giving it validity to our modern context is a skilled accomplishment. This book would be beneficial to all dharma practitioners. I especially enjoyed how the book was arranged to progressively examine each line of the Sutra to explain the cultural influences and its various uses.

[REID NUTTING · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Heart Swallowed by THE HEART

I have no doubt that the translation by Mu Soeng contains remnants of the translator's inner light. But, even a poor translation, ( which this is not), couldn't hide the beauty inherent in these words, just as they are arranged here.
Thanks to all who made it shareable.

[D Schmudde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Like the text the book is analyzing, it packs a lot of wisdom into a small space. Both this and Mu Soeng's writing on the Diamond Sutra are must-reads.

[Alex Drivdahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want your view of reality shifted, read this book 🙏🙏🙏

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief, well grounded account of the history of the Heart Sutra and lucid exploration of its meaning.

[Genabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blew my mind. I am keeping this one and will read it over and over.