The Heart Sutra - Term Paper Example

Nothing is born and nothing dies; nothing is pure or stained, and nothing either increases or decreases. Hence, none of the five aspects exists in emptiness. This is essentially the same as the current teaching of science that nothing is created or destroyed; rather, it merely changes form, which is a result of the theory of conservation of energy.

Consequently, there is also neither of the five senses nor imagining, nor are any of these processes experienced. The point of stating this reality is to highlight their delusory nature, and point to the way of the Bodhisattva, which is to have no fear and rely only on the perfection of wisdom, as it will lead to nirvana (spiritual enlightenment). The perfection of wisdom is identified in the sutra as the greatest, clearest and highest mantra, which is also capable of removing all suffering.

Besides mentioning the five skandhas concerning their emptiness, the Heart Sutra also mentions the twelve ayatanas (abodes), the eighteen dhatus (elements of consciousness), the twelve nidanas (origins), and the four noble truths. In short, however, the purpose of the Heart Sutra is to acquaint the reader with the nature of reality because understanding it “is the key to liberation” (Rinchen & Sonam 2003, back matter). This depth of perfect understanding (prajnaparamita) was reached by Avalokita who is the author of the Heart Sutra. The reality it encapsulates occurred to the monk while engaged in deep meditation.

In ‘The heart of understanding: commentaries on the Prajnaparamita Heart Stura’, an interesting question is raised if the aforementioned aspects are empty, then what are they empty of? In other words, “to be empty is to be empty of something” (Hanh et al. 1988, 8). They give an analogy of a cup being empty of water but not of air to make the point. The five skandhas also constitute a human being in terms of their body, feelings, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness. They flow in us like a river but they flow together just as the organs of the body function together.  Thus, when it is said that they are empty, the meaning is that they are empty of having an independent existence.

The point then would be that the five aspects are empty in and of themselves, but their functions are so intertwined that they cannot work separately. In other words, it would be futile to focus on one aspect alone. Rather, they must all be considered together to understand human nature. Understanding their emptiness as such is essential to understanding the wider reality as well, which also comprises these aspects or elements, as a step towards attaining enlightenment.