Heart Sutra and Wisdom: A Concise Encyclopedia of Buddhist Essentials

Author: Fan Fuzi
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Preface:——“Source” is the key to resolving all contradictions; without the source, humanity will inevitably be lost. Einstein said: “Buddhism is the driving force behind all sciences.” Sun Yat-sen said “Buddhism is the source of philosophy and the mother of science.” These profound maxims represent the hearts of many scientists and renowned figures yearning for truth. So, do you want to know where the source of truth lies? Allow me to tell you: “Reading thousands of books is better than reading one volume of ‘The Heart Sutra and Wisdom,’ because it is the source of all knowledge and truth.” Without understanding the source and its flow, it is difficult to find truth; without knowing the truth, it is difficult to understand life. This is a life test that everyone, young and old, must face without exception. The source is the soul of the universe and life, while the flow is its manifestation. The truth about the source is now clear, thanks to the course of historical development. What is the source? Objective truth is the source. What is the flow? All worldly philosophies, principles, sciences, and knowledge are the flow. As everyone knows, the objective laws of nature are briefly referred to as “Dao,” and Dao is the universal truth that remains unchanged for millennia. The Heart Sutra originates from Dao and is refined by Dao, serving as a microcosm of the universe’s laws—the Great Dao. This “source” is the highest crystallization of the wisdom of all humanity; it contains no superstition but is the origin of dialectical materialist thinking. So, who created this magnificent miracle? Of course, it was the only human in history to achieve great enlightenment and embody the Dao—Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Why is he called a teacher? Because he is an awakened being and the only one in human history with recorded teachings who became the embodiment of the Dao. His great enlightenment had a specific time, place, and content, and the Heart Sutra is a precious product of this highest state. Engels wisely said: “It was only in the era of Sakyamuni Buddha that dialectical thinking matured in humanity.” The Buddha’s three highest characteristics are supreme wisdom, supreme personality, and supreme works, and he has reached the highest level of enlightenment in nine-dimensional space-time. The power of role models is infinite, and learning from the supreme role model, the Buddha, is the most wise choice for humanity. This is also the great historical tide—“Hundred birds gather at the phoenix, and ten thousand people enjoy peace through virtue.” The book “The Heart Sutra and Wisdom” comprehensively and vividly presents the Buddha’s teachings, which are the objective and absolute truth of the universe and life. The greatest contribution of this book is highlighting the three breakthrough translations:
1. It perfectly translates the ancient and modern versions of the Heart Sutra (i.e., the Heart Sutra of Perfection of Wisdom). Unlike the nearly two hundred previous commentaries on the Heart Sutra, it offers five advantages:
- For the first time, it scientifically, accurately, and comprehensively translates the Heart Sutra, making it understandable to everyone and completely unlocking the mysteries of the universe and life (energy wisdom is the material foundation of the source).
- Over a hundred new sutras composed by the Buddha and bodhisattvas serve as the core of the translation, fully embodying the perfect unity of brilliance and simplicity. The essence of life can be placed on the table to withstand any test.
- Over a hundred profound quotes from scientists and great figures provide strong support for the translation.
- Over a hundred short stories in the book play a role in making the translation accessible and engaging.
- It reaffirms the principles of Mahayana Buddhism and the purity of the non-dual path, emphasizing that truth can only be one.
2. It translates the of Darwin’s mechanical materialist evolution theory. It establishes that mindset is the main subject of biological evolution, while physical form is its (appendage). (Humans are shaped by mindset, and physical form influences mindset—not the other way around. Those governed by mindset are normal humans, while those governed by physical form are vegetative patients.) It reveals the true connotations of the eight functions of mindset and the three minor functions of physical form, thereby uncovering the principles of dependent origination, cause and effect, and the retribution of good and evil— laws of nature that are irrefutable and undeniable. Darwin shattered a small of divine creation but created a great of biological mechanical evolution. Many scientists have long recognized that Darwin’s naive theory greatly contradicts science and is extremely harmful. Now, it is precisely the time for it to come to an end. Indeed, a wrong idea that has been ingrained for decades may require decades of learning and reprogramming to be cleared away (wisdom is an exception). However, a complete dialectical materialist cannot tolerate retaining the of science, deceiving oneself and others, or closing one’s ears to the truth. To live without confusion, one must seek enlightenment; enlightenment is not easy and requires help from truth. If truth is grasped, one can practice it tirelessly and creatively, achieving a successful life and overcoming interference such as misinformation, conformity, preconceived notions, dogmatism, superstition, and deception to gain true insight.
3. The ancient truth of the Eightfold Path, personally translated by a renowned great philosopher, is the first of its kind in recorded history, making it a moral code that everyone can follow and a comprehensive, perfect life guidebook. It is the true transmission of Buddhist teachings, the source of wisdom, a complete manual for self-cultivation, and a guide to life. Among all things, virtue is the highest. This is a concept that will always be far ahead of humanity. Only those with virtue possess the four strengths: resilience, adaptability, stability, and (affinity). They can also achieve: pursuing without complaint, striving for honor without vanity, doing good without seeking reward, and overcoming oneself with integrity. The Heart Sutra has become the greatest masterpiece in all ages and cultures, characterized by grand literary talent, bold writing, supreme wisdom, and ultimate truth. Its profound meaning and value are contained within it. Billions around the world have memorized it, and many children have mastered this cosmic masterpiece of just 268 characters, benefiting from it throughout their lives, fully demonstrating the foresight of teachers. Unfortunately, sages and virtuous figures have been scarce throughout history, mainly because it is difficult to understand the source. Fortunately, the source is now clear, and the flourishing of the Dharma and the prosperous era have both arrived, coinciding with the dawn of an unprecedentedly great new era in human history. Along with this, sages and virtuous figures will multiply, and the pursuit of Buddhist truth will become a permanent highest fashion. (Buddhism is not equivalent to religion; Buddhism = science = truth. It should not be misunderstood, misinterpreted, misguidedly, or like Yang Guo’s love for dragons.) Only by understanding the source and its flow can one achieve the effect of learning one and achieving ten times the result with half the effort. The source is like the roots and main trunk of a tree, while the flow is like its branches and leaves. Grasping the root will solve all contradictions or find a complete solution. Otherwise, due to (reversal) of priorities and treating phenomena as the essence, one can only handle problems by going with the flow or patching holes, which will exacerbate problems like (haste for quick success), forgetting righteousness for profit, excessive realism, short-sightedness, inability to distinguish right from wrong, low taste, constant competition, and (blame and revenge), making it difficult to ( means to eradicate).
The publication of “The Heart Sutra and Wisdom,” a book that thoroughly discusses the source, has become a true encyclopedia of truth and wisdom. It is also the best authoritative textbook for self-education, honoring elders, and nurturing the young. It is the foundation for mental and physical well-being, family harmony, career success, and social peace. It is also the highest classic for acquiring great wisdom. Without it, increasing knowledge will be impossible, and life will inevitably be filled with confusion. For this reason, the contemporary sage and great master—Venerable Zhengyan—has exceptionally reviewed and guided this book. Science and facts have proven that the view of “seeing is believing” does not apply in life science and certain cutting-edge sciences. The earthworm says: “Except for our own kind, no other creatures exist, because I cannot see them.” The dog says: “There is no color distinction in the world, because I cannot see (dogs are colorblind).” The ordinary person says: “I do not believe in microscopic life forms of humans and animals, nor do I believe that mindset governs human life, because I cannot see. The meridians of the human body are invisible, so they cannot be acknowledged.” The awakened person says: “Macroscopic and microscopic manifestations of material life are all visible and knowable to us. Earthlings who have reached the level of three-dimensional space-time enlightenment are not the ultimate of biological evolution. The eyes have great limitations, and objective truth does not change with human will……”
“The Heart Sutra and Wisdom” is not only a must-read for teachers, employees, young people, and aspirants but also a trusted companion and mentor for athletes, artists, scientists, scholars, virtuous figures, and all truth-seekers. It can be confidently said: With it as a companion, self-education and raising children will surely succeed! Everything will be in perfect order! With it as a companion, the quality of humanity will be fundamentally improved! The saying of a crisis in faith is completely baseless! With it as a companion, all problems in human society can be traced to their roots and solved more easily! With it as a companion, the light of truth and wisdom will surely illuminate the shared beautiful ideals of all humanity and become the (ruler)! With it as a companion, China, this great land of Buddhism and ancient civilization, will contribute even more to world peace by taking the lead in entering the hall of truth.
The readability, engaging nature, practical value, and brilliance of “The Heart Sutra and Wisdom” are unmatched and unprecedented, hence it is hailed as a timeless masterpiece. Though it may sound like hyperbole, it is also a great truth. The universe holds mysteries, the Heart Sutra breaks them down, “The Heart Sutra and Wisdom” unlocks the Heart Sutra’s secrets.