The Heart Sutra

Study Questions

The following questions are offered to you as an optional guide to enhance your
textual understanding of the text. If at any point you feel totally drawn into the world
of the Heart sutra and of Thich Nhat Hanhs commentary and prefer not to stop at
each step to read yet another study question, do feel free to do so.

Opening: The Heart Sutra Text

The Heart Sutra conveys to us the supreme wisdom that may deliver us from
suffering. Use a slash to indicate breaks in the text where the following structure
applies: (1) the person who gains the supreme wisdom; (2) details of the supreme
wisdom; (3) effects of the supreme wisdom; (4) praise of the supreme wisdom; and
(5) the wisdom in mantra.

Para.1-5: Inter-being
What is the meaning of inter-being and how does a piece of paper illustrate it?

Para. 6-20: Bodhi and Emptiness

Why is the meaning of bodhi?
How does a glass of water help us understand the meaning of emptiness?
How should we know?

Para. 21-27 Impermanence

Why is impermanence worth celebrating?

Para. 28-49 Happy Extension

Why should we say happy extension day instead of happy birthday?

How does the idea of energy conservation free us from our misconception about birth
and death?
What can we learn from a particle of dust, a fallen leaf, and a kaleidoscope?

Para.50-67
Why can we say rose is garbage? What is the relation between a prostitute and a
good girl from a wealthy family?
What is the relation between good and evil, left and right?

Para.68-79
What do we gain by analyzing a human being into the component parts of six senses,
six sense-objects, and six consciousnesses?
What can we learn from the story of Buddha and Mara?

Para. 80-91
What is the meaning and use of chants and of Zen practice?
What can understanding of emptiness and inter-being help us lead a positive life and
become socially engaged?