As with most Buddhist scriptures, simply "believing in" what the Heart Sutra says is not its point. It is important also to appreciate that the sutra cannot be grasped by intellect alone. Although analysis is helpful, people also keep the words in their hearts so that understanding unfolds through practice.

In this sutra, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is speaking to Shariputra, who was an important disciple of the historical Buddha. The early lines of the sutra discuss the five skandhas - form, sensation, conception, discrimination, and consciousness. The bodhisattva has seen that the skandhas are empty, and thus has been freed from suffering. The bodhisattva speaks: Shariputra, form is no other than emptiness; emptiness no other than form. Form is exactly emptiness; emptiness exactly form. Sensation, conception, discrimination, and consciousness are also like this.

The Heart Sutra continues, with Avalokiteshvara explaining that all phenomena are expressions of emptiness, or empty of inherent characteristics. Because phenomena are empty of inherent characteristics, they are neither born nor destroyed; neither pure nor defiled; neither coming nor going.

Avalokiteshvara goes on to say there is no path, no wisdom, and no attainment. Because no individual being comes into existence, neither does a being cease to exist. Because there is no cessation, there is no impermanence, and because there is no impermanence, there is no suffering. Because there is no suffering, there is no path to liberation from suffering, no wisdom, and no attainment of wisdom. Thoroughly perceiving this is "supreme perfect enlightenment."

This musical work "Heart Sutra" is set to sound and musical vibrations meant to help harmonize the content of the sutra with one's feeling and sense rather than appeal to the analytical and intellectual musings of the listener. The result is a much deeper knowing and oneness of the "universal void" in which everything and nothing is contained.

Christopher Currell has employed advanced synthesis and spatial audio techniques to help convey a deeper meaning and understanding of the Heart Sutra. Combining sound colors, advanced polyrhythmic themes and flowing percussive rhythms, Christopher has woven a tapestry of elements that speak to the deeper consciousness. Christopher has taken the information, which is the Heart Sutra, and fused it into an audio wave pattern that connects directly to heart of the listener. In addition, Taiun Matsunami from the Daitoku-ji Ryosen-an temple in Kyoto, Japan provides the exquisitely performed Heart Sutra and other Buddhist chants.

1. Beginnings
2. Heart Sutra
3. Dedication
4. Clouds
5. Sho Sai Shu
6. Delight
7. Beginnings (Reprise)

Listen to: the entire album.

Release date: 1/28/2011
Christopher Currell lives in Kannami Japan

Tagged as: New Age, Inspirational, Chillout, World Influenced

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