Heart Sutra

Author: Qi Gong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-10-01
Features: In July 2004, on the 90th birthday of Qi Gong's son, our publishing house released several new works by the master, including "Qi Gong's Oral History." Many people went to his home to celebrate his birthday, bringing copies of the newly published books. That day, the master was in high spirits, full of vitality, and his speech remained as witty as ever. While signing memorabilia for everyone, he mentioned that books could be made smaller and thinner, focusing on explaining one thing per book, which would also make them more affordable. The warm and pleasant scene seemed like yesterday, yet it had become so distant in the blink of an eye. Inspired by the master's spirit, we quickly found several sources of Qi Gong's calligraphy, obtained his approval, and prepared to publish several "small books," including this one, "The Heart Sutra."
By the New Year of 2005, the red-covered "Qi Gong's Regular Script Thousand Characters" "small book" was delivered to the master, and both he and we were delighted. A few days later, however, the master fell seriously ill and passed away. This "Heart Sutra" was delayed for so long that it became an unfulfilled wish. Over the year and a half that followed, every time I thought of it, I felt a sense of shame. First, we obtained a copy of the reproduction of the "Heart Sutra" manuscript, took photos for printing; to make the printing better, we also searched for the reversed film of the original manuscript and reprinted it. When it was about to be printed this time, an elder advised us that in the past, people had used vermilion ink to write sutras as a memorial for the deceased. Following his suggestion, we revised the design again, using PANTONE specialty ink mixed with vermilion, and finally completed the publication of this "small book."
Qi Gong was a great sage, and this handwritten "Heart Sutra" was particularly precious. May we dedicate the newly published copies to his spirit and convey our eternal remembrance.