The Heart Sutra contains extremely profound Buddhist philosophical thoughts. The core of this is the use of Prajna wisdom to meditate and contemplate it, so as to realize the emptiness of all dharmas, and finally to attain a clear and comfortable aesthetic mind. This process is not only an insight into the truth of life in the universe, but also the pursuit and embodiment of spiritual freedom.
Prajna, as the special wisdom of Buddhism, is different from the ordinary wisdom of the world. It is a direct insight into the nature of things, the ability to see through phenomena and see the emptiness behind them. This emptiness does not refer to nothingness or non-existence, but to the fact that things do not have a fixed and unchanging nature, that everything arises from the union of causes and conditions, and that there is no eternal and unchanging entity. Through the contemplation of Prajna wisdom, one can transcend attachment and confusion and attain true freedom and liberation.
In the Heart Sutra, "contemplation" is a very important concept. The "contemplation" here is not only to see with the naked eye, but also to contemplate with the wisdom of Prajna. Through this contemplation, one can see the essence of the emptiness of all dharmas, and thus get rid of attachment and troubles about things. This contemplation is a direct insight into the reality of life in the universe, unfettered by any concept or name.
"The Bodhisattva of Avalokiteshvara" is an important image mentioned in the Heart Sutra. The phrase "contemplation" here does not refer to a specific bodhisattva, but to those who have the merit of contemplating oneself. Through the contemplation of Prajna wisdom, they have realized the truth of life in the universe and attained true freedom and liberation. Not only are these enlightened beings able to face all the circumstances of life with ease, but they are also able to help sentient beings to be free from their troubles and attain true happiness and peace.
It is important to note that "Avalokiteshvara" does not necessarily refer to Avalokiteshvara. This point was once discussed by a high monk in the Tang Dynasty. As one of the important bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara does have the merits and realm of contemplation, but the concept of "contemplation of self" itself is broader and profound, and it encompasses all enlightened beings who have the merit of contemplating oneself. These enlightened beings may be bodhisattvas, arhats, eminent monks, or ordinary practitioners. As long as they have realized the truth of life in the universe through the contemplation of Prajna wisdom and attained true freedom and liberation, they can be called "contemplation."
In addition, the "contemplation of freedom" in the Heart Sutra also contains an aesthetic bosom. This kind of aesthetic bosom is a direct feeling and experience of the beautiful nature of life in the universe, and a comprehension and grasp of the true meaning of life. Through this kind of aesthetic embrace, people can transcend the distractions and confusions of the world, and feel the tranquility and beauty of life itself. This tranquility and beauty is not external or temporary, but internal, eternal, and infinite.
The Heart Sutra expounds the aesthetic embrace of Prajna Zen and contemplation of freedom is a true understanding and grasp of the essence of life. Through this understanding and grasp, one can attain true eternity and ease. For modern people, these ideas contained in the Heart Sutra are also of great significance and value. They can help people better understand and face life's dilemmas in their quest for true happiness and peace. At the same time, as an ancient classic, the Heart Sutra is concise and far-reaching, which is worthy of repeated reading and comprehension.
Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra