Media

HKUL to hold book talk on The Heart Sutra and Beyond

03 Dec 2014

 

HKUL to hold book talk on The Heart Sutra and Beyond

Speaker:  Dr Claire Sit Kwan-yuk  
Moderator:  Dr Y C Wan (Deputy Librarian, HKU)
Date:  December 4, 2014 (Thursday)
Time:  6:30 to 8:00pm
Venue:  Special Collections, 1/F Main Library, HKU
Language:  English

Dr. Sit will focus on how the two Chinese names for Avalokitesvara (Guān-zì-zài 觀自在) and Sariputra (Shè-lì-zi 舍利子) can be a key to understand the sutra— “Guān-zì-zài 觀自在”declares the main theme and “Shè-lì-zi 舍利子”represents the various goals as advocated by the sutra. She will examine why form is no different from emptiness, using a modern fractal example and a classic Tao Te Ching saying.

About the Author
Dr Claire Sit Kwan-yuk graduated from the University of Hong Kong, moved to the US to attend graduate school, and earned a Ph. D. degree in pure mathematics from the City University of New York. She is Professor Emerita at La Guardia Community College. She has been deeply interested in the relationship between Eastern and Western philosophy. In her previous two books, The Lord’s Prayer, an Eastern Perspective and Lao Tzu and Anthroposophy, she explores this close connection with scholarly insight and methodical clarity.

About the Book
The main theme and purpose of the book, The Heart Sutra and Beyond, is to show how one may practice the perfection of wisdom.

Dr. Sit analyzes The Heart Sutra with metaphors, stories, and illustrations, in addition to excerpts from Buddhist scriptures, relevant Taoist texts, and anthroposophic teachings. She delves into Anthroposophy to explore the mystical connection between form and emptiness, between Buddhism and esoteric Christianity, between Buddha Gautama and the young Jesus, and between the future Buddha Maitreya and Jesus Christ. She applies her deep understanding of the two Chinese names for Avalokitesvara (Guan-zì-zài) and Sariputra (Shè-lì-zi) to reveal the essence of the sutra. Finally, she notes that anyone can gain great blessing by meditating on a short mantra presented in the sutra.

Her commentary on this timeless text brings profound insights to those who are new to The Heart Sutra, as well as to those who may have studied and practiced Buddhism for many years.

Media Contact:  Mr. Gary Chin, Tel: 2859 2211 / Ms. Marina Yeung, Tel: 2859 8903