The Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra encapsulates the essence of the Great Prajna Sutra, moving from simplicity to profound meaning. It is often said that while the words are few, the meaning is rich, and though the phrases are simple, the purpose is deep. Since ancient times, it has been believed that by reading this sutra, one can grasp the fundamental spirit of the Prajna Sutras. It is included in the eighth volume of the Taisho Collection.
The term "heart" (Sanskrit: hṛdaya) refers to the heart itself, but also carries meanings such as essence and core. This sutra distills the vast teachings of the Prajna Sutras into a concise classic, expressing the idea that "Prajna is emptiness." The entire text draws upon the Five Aggregates, the Threefold Division, the Twelve Causes and Conditions, and the Four Noble Truths to summarize the principle that all phenomena are empty. The well-known phrase "form is emptiness, emptiness is form" originates from this sutra.