The Meaning and
Uses of the Heart Sutra

The Heart Sutra is perhaps the most famous and well loved Buddhist scripture, recited daily by many people around the world. Although it contains the foundational Buddhist teachings in a very short form, many people find it quite puzzling. As we unravel its meaning and seek its origin, we will look at the sutra’s function in Buddhist literature as both philosophy and an object of meditation. We will also consider the viewpoints of several modern commentators who have interpreted the Sutra with the help of the classical Indian and Tibetan commentaries from the Tibetan Canon.  Bring your favorite English translation.

Kurt Schwalbe

Kurt has been reading about and practicing Buddhism since 1964. He took his BA in Philosophy and his MDiv in Old Testament. He conducted his PhD field research in Nepal at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Everest region. He has taught Classical Tibetan language since 1974 in both the USA and India. He has also taught numerous college courses in World Religions with an emphasis on Asian traditions. Kurt’s teaching style gives close attention to the text but always in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. He has been fortunate enough to take teachings with H.E. Jetsun Kushok Rinpoche at Sakya Kachod Choling.

In March 2017, Kurt will (for the third time) present this Heart Sutra Workshop in a three-day expanded format at Deer Park Institute in Bir, HP, India. Immediately after that, he will teach a course in Classical Tibetan at Thosamling Institute in Dharamsala, HP, India