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TO THE OTHER SHORE | THE HEART SUTRA

The Heart Sutra is a text I first worked with in the 90’s, when I was new to this whole spiritual practice thing. I first starting sitting Zen in ’94 or so, and it was a text introduced to me after college, on the road in Boulder. Recently, I have found myself re-immersed in the Heart Sutra as I prepare for a workshop this Spring with a Zen monk (more on that later). This mantra, found at the end of the sutra, has been with me daily:

GATE GATE
PARAGATE
PARASAMGATE
BODHISVAHA

Gone Gone
Gone Beyond
Gone beyond the Great Beyond,
or “Homage to the Awakened Mind that has gone over to the other shore.” (Mu Soeng)

This mantra calls in the energy of transcendence— the movement beyond our attachments and aversions (the kleshas) into the field of consciousness itself— pure potentiality. It is a reminder to let go of our stories, our clinging to our ideas and mental patterns, and move beyond them into a space of pure potential. The Heart Sutra opens us to possibility and spaciousness.

Where are you looking for more space in your life? Your Heart? Try working with this mantra, and see how it opens up the field of possibility for you.