Definition of Terms in the Heart Sutra

Sutra – scripture, teaching

Prajna – ultimate wisdom, beyond what can be achieved through the accumulation of conventional knowledge

Paramita – “Going over to the other shore” a practice that leads you to the “other shore” of accomplishment or enlightenment

Bodhisattva – “a being of enlightenment” someone who has reached the level of enlightenment, but refuses to go into Nirvana (Heaven) until all people have achieved enlightenment. Generally, bodhisattvas are spiritual beings that can be called upon for help.

Avalokita – also known as Avalokiteshvara, Guan Yin, and Kannon, this is the bodhisattva of compassion. She teaches the Heart Sutra. She is sometimes depicted as a man, depending on the incarnation.

The Five Aggregates – (also known as “Skandhas” in Sanskrit) : substance (form), sensation (feeling), perception (subjective), will (ego, impulse), and consciousness (spiritual individuality)

Shariputra – a disciple of Avalokita, to whom the Sutra is addressed

“No ignorance…no end of aging and death” - refers to the Buddhist teaching of the Twelve Causal Links, also known as the Twelve Links of Dependent Arising.

“No suffering…no way to extinguish suffering” – refers to the Buddhist teaching of the Four Noble Truths.

Mantra – a short phrase repeated to connect one’s consciousness to a higher level

“GATTE, GATTE, PARAGATTE, PARASAMGATTE, BODHI SVAHA!” – The mantra at the end of the Heart Sutra which translates roughly to mean “Over, over, over to the other shore. Everyone over to the other shore. Enlightenment, rejoice!”