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In The Heart Sūtra: Revisiting Its Texts, History, and Meaning, Henry C. H. Shiu investigates the historical origins of the Heart Sūtra, a significant Buddhist scripture. He compares the Sanskrit texts with their Chinese and Tibetan translations to analyse whether the Heart Sūtra might be a Chinese apocryphon, through detailed linguistic examination. To achieve this goal, Shiu thoroughly examines the primary sources from which the scripture was extracted. He emphasises the necessity of reading the Heart Sūtra in the larger context of the Perfection of Wisdom literature, which contains the essence of Mahāyāna Buddhist teaching. In this monograph, Shiu successfully transcends the boundaries between the Chinese, Indian and Tibetan Buddhist traditions and provides a revisionist interpretation of the Heart Sūtra.
Price: £64.00
Pages: 300
Publisher: Hong Kong University Press
Imprint: Hong Kong University Press
Publication Date:
06 November 2025
Trim Size: 9.00 X 6.00 in
ISBN: 9789888900961
Format: Hardcover
BISACs:
‘This book challenges academic orthodoxies by revealing previously hidden aspects of the Heart Sūtra’s genesis, development and interpretation within the languages and cultures of India, China, Tibet and Central Asia. Shiu’s insightful textual, historical and Dharmalogical analyses update and greatly enrich our understanding of the Heart Sūtra’s complex origins, forms of cultural and political significance, contemplative and ritual functions, and profound spiritual truths.’
— John Makransky, Boston College
— John Makransky, Boston College