Table of Contents

Illustrations viii Acknowledgements ix Introduction Commentary to Heart Sutra - Part 1: Explanation of the Direct Meaning The Title and Homage The Background and Shariputra's Question The Paths of Accumulation and Preparation (1) The Paths of Accumulation and Preparation (2) The Paths of Seeing, Meditation and No More Learning Conclusion Buddha's Approval and the Promise to Practise Commentary to Heart Sutra - Part 2: Explanation of the Hidden Meaning Preliminary Explanation and Lives of Protector Nagarjuna & Arya Asanga The Path of a Person of Initial Scope The Preciousness of our Human Life What Does our Death Mean? The Dangers of Lower Rebirth Going for Refuge What is Karma? The Path of a Person of Middling Scope What We Should Know What We Should Abandon What We Should Practise What We Should Attain The Path of a Person of Great Scope The Supreme Good Heart - Bodhichitta Training in Affectionate Love Training in Cherishing Love Training in Wishing Love Training in Universal Compassion Training in Actual Bodhichitta Training in the Path of Bodhichitta Training in the Six Perfections Training in Taking in Conjunction with Practice of the Six Perfections Training in Giving in Conjunction with Practice of the Six Perfections Dedication Appendix I - The Root Text: Essence of Wisdom Sutra (The Heart Sutra) Appendix II - The Condensed Meaning of the Commentary Appendix III - Liberating Prayer and Prayers for Meditation Appendix IV - Explanation of 12 Sources, 18 Elements, 12 Dependent-related Links Appendix V - The Great Mother: A Method to Overcome Hindrances Appendix VI - A Short Commentary to the Practice of The Great Mother Appendix VII - The Yoga of Great Mother Prajnaparamita Appendix VIII - Short Commentary to Yoga of Great Mother Prajnaparamita Glossary Bibliography Study Programmes of Kadampa Buddhism Tharpa Offices Worldwide Index

About the Author

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso was born in Tibet and is a fully accomplished meditation master and internationally renowned teacher of Buddhism. Resident in the West since 1977, he is the author of 21 highly acclaimed books that perfectly transmit the ancient wisdom of Buddhism to our modern world. He has also founded over 1100 Kadampa Buddhist Centres and groups throughout the world.

Reviews

"An excellent book... for the serious student of Buddhism a better book would be hard to come across". - The Middle Way "...both excellent and comprehensive". - North American Board for East West Dialogue