Understanding and Freedom

"When the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was practicing profound Transcendental Wisdom, prajna paramita, he decerned clearly that the five skandhas were empty and thereby became free from all suffering."

-The opening lines of the Heart Sutra

Shingon recognizes the Heart Sutra as containing the essence of Buddhism and the esoteric Buddhist teachings. In its one page we can find a lifetime of contemplation. All of it rich, challenging and well worth returning to again and again.

Our own Ajari Tanaka has emphasized the recitation practice of this sutra as a meditative method since he began teaching in the West. He teaches an almost mantric recitation of the sutra, repeating it over and over many times, sometimes at speed. This practice is wonderfully vigorous and when done in a group can be beautiful in its rhythm and harmony.

Though full of teachings, the opening lines quoted above are very interesting.

We can think of Avalokitesvara as a committed student of meditation. Prajna Paramita is the meditation method he has undertaken. The skandhas are those elements that have come together to form his individuality. Overcoming suffering is none other than enlightenment.

So, we learn from these opening lines, that through meditation we can uncover our very best. We can leave behind the self caused hinderances through expanding our self knowledge. Through our meditation we can liberate our complete human potential.