Heart Sutra

I learned the English version of the "Heart Surtra" first. The Sutra is very dense and contains very deep insights. Without detail explanation from a good teacher, it is hard to get the teaching. Over time, I improve my understanding bit by bit. The concept of "emptiness" threw my off and I set off to read books on this topic. At one level, emptiness means all things exist base on the right conditions and does not have it's independent nature. I tried learn the Chinese version of it and have many false start. First, I don't even know all the words, how to pronounce and let alone the meaning. My son got me through the pronunciation. He can recited the Sutra in Chinese fluently. I am working on memorizing the Sutra by copying it everyday. It is a short Sutra. This is the technique we use in grade school. Learn by repetition. It works. Knowing the English version and then the Chinese version, I have an easier time to under the Sutra in Chinese. The Dharma master did the translation in English already layout the meaning in a more plain and simple fashion. Reading the Chinese version help to re-enforce the understanding. I also come to appreciate the Chines version more, once I get pass learning the new words. It is so concise and beautifully written. It is like Chinese tea, come in small vacuum packed package but transform to great and complex aroma when you brew it. It is timeless treasure that once I learned it, it is mine, no one can take away from me. I hope I will have profound realization to come from this precious Sutra.