A guide to Buddhism

Prajnaparamita Hridaya Sutra (Reflection Of The Heart Sutra)

Author: Dr Ranjana

Bajracharya and

Bhaktananda Bajracharya

Pages: 143

Price: Rs 300

KATHMANDU: Buddhism is gaining considerable ground in the recent past, with more people being able to connect with the tenets of this religion. For all Buddhists and those inclined towards Buddhism, Prajnaparamita Hridaya Sutra (Reflection Of The Heart Sutra) is a perfect read. Ranjana and Bhaktananda Bajracharya have put in a lot of research to bring forth the true origin and meaning of the hridaya sutra that is most subtle and widely read in the Mahayana countries.

With 143 pages, this book is short with a philosophy that guides its devotees to the path of nirvana through the act of meditation based on emptiness (shunyata), the ultimate reality of the world. The authors have amply succeeded in revealing the core theme of hridaya sutra. The book has been divided into six chapters, each elaborating on the sutra, the history of its origin and its various manifestations.

The whole concept emerged when, Maha Prajnaparamita Hridaya Sutra Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, practicing the Prajnaparamita, perceived that all five skandhas in their own

being are empty and was saved from all suffering. All dharmas are marked with emptiness. This sutra

has been provided in the first few pages of the book in English, Nepalbhasa (Newari), Nepali and Tibetan languages catering to a wide number of readers.

The cover of the book also illustrates the hridaya

sutra symbolised by the female Prajnaparamita, the Goddess of wisdom and is very significant.

However, for new readers of books on religion, this particular book may seem rather complicated for such a simple thing. Not only do the sentences seem uncomfortably long, frequent grammatical and spelling errors make it very difficult for a reader to keep track of his/her progress.

The modern approach to Buddhism towards the end entitled ‘Buddhism and world today’ requires special mention. Application of the teachings of Buddhism in today’s corrupt world is the crux of this chapter and is well written.

A guide to Buddhism

Prajnaparamita Hridaya Sutra (Reflection Of The Heart Sutra)

Author: Dr Ranjana

Bajracharya and

Bhaktananda Bajracharya

Pages: 143

Price: Rs 300