WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO RECITE THE HEART SUTRA?

Why is it important to recite the Heart Sutra?

The Heart Sutra (Xin Jing in Mandarin), also is called Prajna-Paramita Sutra in Sanskrit, is the shortest and the most popular sutra in Buddhism realm. The Heart Sutra is regarded as the summation of the wisdom of Buddha. It explains perfectly the teaching of non-attachment, which is basically the doctrine of emptiness.

Here is an excerpt of the Heart Sutra in English: "Shariputra, all dharmas are marked with emptiness: Not beginning, not ending, not stained and not pure, not increasing and not decreasing. Within emptiness there is no eye, ear, nose, tongue, body or mind; no seeing, no hearing, no smelling, no tasting, no touching, and no thinking; no realms from sight to mind; no ignorance and no ending of ignorance, no old age and death and no ending of old age and death; no suffering and no beginning and no ending of suffering, no path; no wisdom and no attainment with nothing to attain."

Recitation of the Heart Sutra is for establishing connections with Guan Yin Bodhisattva, and to obtain wisdom through the mercy and compassion of Guan Yin Bodhisattva. This Sutra takes the form of energy in the Asura realm and the Deva realm (known as “Heaven” in English), currency in the underworld, and wisdom in the human realm. Some of its great powers include: disciplining misbehaved children; influencing adults to have a religious belief e.g. Buddhism; communicating with elders who are stubborn; calming emotions; granting wisdom; and alleviating depression. It can also be used for performing the transferring of merits to the deceased.
The full title of each sutra and mantra should be included each time before it is recited. For example, before reciting the content of the Heart Sutra, you should recite its full title: Po Jo Po Lo Mi To Hsin Ching.

For Daily Recitation: Generally, 3 or 7 times per day until the end of life. The Heart Sutra can be recited until 10 PM during good weather. If it is cloudy or rainy, it is best if you can recite it during day time. You should avoid reciting the Heart Sutra after 10 PM or during extreme weather, including heavy rain, thunderstorm, and lightning.

Prayer: Before reciting this sutra, you can say your prayer or wish as follows, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>, grant me wisdom, a pure mind, calmness; and help me to be free from afflictions (maintain focus while performing recitations).”