Heart Sutra Prajnaparamita

This track combines the Sanskrit mantra of the Heart Sutra with English lyrics, giving simple expression to the beautiful teachings of Avalokiteshvara – the Supreme Bodhisattva who is the embodiment of loving-kindness and compassion.

Gate, Gate, Paragate
Parasamgate
Bodhi Svaha!

“Gone, gone, gone beyond
Gone beyond the ripples of the further shore.”

The lead vocal on the track is sung by Deva Premal, known around the world for her beautiful musical arrangements of traditional mantras and devotional chanting.

The Heart Sutra mantra is an ancient Buddhist teaching about the ‘Perfection of Transcendental Wisdom’ (Prajnaparamita). The sutra contains the famous phrase “Form is emptiness, emptiness is form”, as it lays out the teachings of Avalokiteshvara – the Supreme Bodhisattva who is the embodiment of loving kindness and compassion.

Towards the end of the of the Sutra, Avolekitshevara says:

“The Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore is a Great Mantra,

the most illuminating mantra, the highest mantra, a mantra beyond compare, the True Wisdom that has the power to put an end to all kinds of suffering. Therefore let us proclaim a mantra to praise the Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore.

Gate, Gate, Paragate, Parasamgate, Bodhi Svaha!”

Gate, Gate, Paragate
Parasamgate
Bodhi Svaha!

“Gone, gone, gone beyond
Gone beyond the ripples of the further shore.”

The Heart Sutra is a Buddhist scripture that conveys the idea that reality is empty and impermanent.  All forms, feelings, perceptions, sensations and happenings are described as arising and returning to emptiness, while the awareness of this truth can lead to wisdom and compassion.

The Heart Sutra is a distillation of the Prajnaparamita (“Perfection of Wisdom”) writings, which were first written down in the first Century AD.

It’s a very short text, which been hugely influential in Buddhist teachings, especially Zen Buddhism.

The teachings are expressed as the words of Avalokiteshvara – the Supreme Bodhisattva – who is the embodiment of loving kindness and compassion.

Towards the end of the of the Heart Sutra, Avolekitshevara says:
“The Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore is a Great Mantra, the most illuminating mantra, the highest mantra, a mantra beyond compare, the True Wisdom that has the power to put an end to all kinds of suffering. Therefore let us proclaim a mantra to praise the Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore.

Gate, Gate, Paragate, Parasamgate, Bodhi Svaha!”

This is where the mantra in the song comes from.