Buddhist Studies buddhist scriptures
Buddha Dharma Education Association & BuddhaNet
» Buddhist Scriptures » The Heart Sutra » Commentary on Text
 

The Heart Sutra

"BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING TO BE ATTAINED, THE
BODHISATTVA RELYING ON PRAJNA PARAMITA HAS NO
OBSTRUCTION IN HIS MIND."

"Nothing to be attained" is the all-important theme of the Sutra. The obstruction alluded to in the above sentence refers to the three obstructions of function, to wit: 1. The karmic obstruction, or the obstruction of deeds done in the past; 2. The obstruction of retribution and 3. The obstruction of passion.

The above quote implies the supramundane Void as the True Existence of all dharmas and for that same reason no dharmas can be obtained. "Since the bodhisattva cannot seek outside help when dealing with obstructions, he has to rely on insights provided by his own radiant wisdom for his attainment of freedom. The first to break off is the obstruction of retribution; it is of two kinds, the dependent condition (meaning one's circumstances) and the resultant person (meaning one's physical condition). The bodhisattva already discarded these two kinds of obstruction, and several types of anxiety vanished from his mind.

, © BDEA/BuddhaNet. All Rights Reserved.
home sitemap back