17 The Meaning of Negation in Heart Sutra and the Object of Negation 12-Sept-2004

[00:00:01] Rinpoche tells about the meaning of negation in the Heart Sutra. "No" doesn't mean that things do not exist, it is negating the way phenomena appear - as truly existent from their own side. Understanding this point helps not to fall into extremes of nihilism and eternalism.

[00:10:05] How to avoid the mistake from the very beginning of your analysis by identifying the correct object of refutation - gak-cha.

[00:33:00] Phenomena exist, but they exist in mere name, merely imputed by mind. They do not exist from their own side.

[01:04:00] From the I down to the split seconds of consciousness, all phenomena exist in mere name, merely imputed by mind. Without mind labeling them, they cannot exist.

[01:27:00] When meditating on emptiness, if fear arises, that is a good sign - it means your meditation is harming the object of ignorance, the root of samsara. One should go through the fear, not stop the meditation.

[01:48:00] The word "Ah" in the Heart Sutra is like an atomic bomb that destroys the hallucination of true existence projected onto all phenomena by ignorance. It shows phenomena are empty of existing from their own side.

[02:24:00] When reciting the Heart Sutra, one should apply it to one's own problems and sufferings, meditating that they are empty of true existence. This becomes a powerful puja to pacify obstacles.

[02:30:00] Rinpoche explains that Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche used to recite Extensive Dispelling of Hindrances after the Heart Sutra as a way of pacifying all obstacles for the teachers, students, and Dharma centers due to sickness, spirit possession, unfavorable conditions, past karma, and immediate conditions.

[02:37:30] The group recites Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga and Rinpoche leads the extensive offerings practice and dedications.

This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.