On June 28 we started our discussion of DCB25 lesson 34 using “THEREFORE, KNOW THAT PRAJNA PARAMITA IS THE GREAT SUPERNORMAL MANTRA, . . .” from the Heart Sutra as our text. The following are part of the questions discussed:
What is the purpose of “expounding Dharma?”
“What is called ‘expounding Dharma’ is for the purpose of opening up the deluded and hindered minds of all living beings, uprooting their confused and dark six consciousnesses, and manifesting the state of prajna.”
Why should you follow the principles and ways of prajna?
“Then, one should follow the principles and ways of prajna to enter contemplative-illumination prajna and language prajna, realize intrinsic-reality prajna, eliminate the manas consciousness and the alaya consciousness, and attain the state of transforming consciousness into wisdom. All of these are brought about by the use of various methods to expound Dharma. Thus, this entails being benefited in phases.”
How does the Buddha Dharma in the heavenly reams compare with what we humans have in this world?
“Buddha Dharma in the heavenly realms is higher than Buddha Dharma in the human realm. The heavenly realms have sutras that the human realm does not have. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas manifest in various appearances to live among and expound Dharma to living beings in the six realms, whether they are humans or non-humans.”
What do mantras do?
“Language cannot be used to explain or clearly state the holy power of mantras. Although their meanings are not clear, mantras have tremendously great and unsurpassed empowerment, an effectiveness that leads the practitioner toward accomplishment and liberation.”
What are the six ordinary dharma realms and the two vehicles referenced here?
” ‘Prajna’ and ‘ta’ can liberate all sentient beings. Prajna does not only illuminate the emptiness of the six ordinary dharma realms and the two vehicles. The six ordinary dharma realms refer to realms of ordinary beings in the three spheres, specifically the realms of hell beings, hungry ghosts, animals, humans, devas, and asuras. The two vehicles refer to Arhats, who have severed attachment to self or personhood but who have attachment to dharmas in the form of attachment to there being nirvana to realize.”
What is the meaning of the word “supernormal” and the two meanings of the word “mantra”?
“Here, the word ‘supernormal’ refers to a miraculous change into something different, limitless power, and that which is unfathomably marvelous. The word ‘mantra’ has the meanings of ‘dharani’ and ‘true words.’ Mantras completely hold all kinds of real and tremendously mighty supernormal powers. You disciples can understand this part by following the written text. I already clearly explained the concept of miraculously changing into something different when I expounded the ten illusory things produced from conditions. No worldly language can be used as expressions to praise the power and states of Buddha Dharma.”
What do “Dharanis” do?
“Mantras are dharanis. They completely hold all the essences in the three spheres. They are true words, not false. Thus, mantras are also called ‘true words.’ They completely hold all kinds of real and tremendously mighty supernormal powers. . . Because they are mantras or true words, they transcend the reasoning or science of the mundane world. They do not belong to the domain of worldly reasoning or deduction. They hold limitless invisible and intangible powers. Thus, they are called dharanis, or that which completely holds.”
What is the origin of mantras?
“Mantras were created in response to certain opportunities when Buddhas and Bodhisattvas were in the samadhi and wisdom of prajna. They are words or sentences that when recited by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas generate mind power from Their thoughts. This is telling us about how mantras are created. They are in response to all opportunities and causal conditions.”
In addition to these questions, the Buddha Master discussed His reasons for teaching in the manner He used and why He does not entirely follow the text of the sutras. He also provided examples to help explain His teachings and explained the meaning of the Chinese character “li.” He also includes the origin and purpose of the Guhya-samaja Vajra mantra, the three mysteries, mudras, the six mighty powers, and the powers and nature of demons and celestials and much more.
Be sure and enroll in DCB25-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra: Part TWO-III, if you want to join our long term study of the Heart Sutra or the broader study of C41(A)-the Three Principle Stages & Paths of Buddhist Practice. There is an expanded article on C41(A) that explains its scope and content. CLICK for video of that discussion and revised maps of this roadmap to C41(A). DCB25 is one of the Learning from Buddha Seminary (LFBS) courses that are included in C41(A). There is also another article that discusses G03(A) and G03 Evolution of Buddhism, two additional courses that are also part of C41(A).
CLICK for a list of available classes in each of the programs: Auditing, Buddhist Studies, and Xiuxing Seminary. Those with membership in the Xiuxing Seminary Program who are only interested in serious practice and not opening a Dharma Center may also elect to follow the Xiuxing Practice Program and take a seven or thirty-day Solitary Retreat.
Next:
The next class in DCB25 will continue the discussion of Lesson 34- “THEREFORE, KNOW THAT PRAJNA PARAMITA IS THE GREAT SUPERNORMAL MANTRA, . . .” at our July 5, 2025 ZOOM session at 9:00 am.
Our next class in Hesperia will be held at 19099 Lemon Street on July 20, starting at 10:00 am and continuing until 3:00 pm.
If you have enrolled in C41(A) or DCB25 or DCB24 or DCB23 or DCB22 or DCB21 or DCB26, you may continue to use the same ZOOM link to attend the Saturday morning discussions. However, you will need to enroll in the appropriate course to be able to watch the video recordings of the classes, download study materials, or study the related questions.
TO DATE: DCB25-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra: PART TWO–IV and C41-Three Principal Stages & Paths of Buddhist Practice.
The recordings of the June 28, 2025 DCB25-Lesson 34A class is now available. All of the recordings and summary of ZOOM discussions for DCB21, DCB22, DCB23, DCB24, and DCB26-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra are now available along with the questions for DCB25. You must be enrolled in each of these classes in one of the full membership programs at the LFBS to access the course materials, questions covered (in parenthesis), and/or the class recordings. Please note that these links will only work if you are logged into LFBS with your membership identification number AND are enrolled in this class.
“THEREFORE, KNOW THAT PRAJNA PARAMITA IS THE GREAT SUPERNORMAL MANTRA, . . .”
CLICK for article on the entire text of Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra.
CLICK for article with instructions on how to enroll in LFBS classes and how to register for the ZOOM discussions.
June 28, 2025: Lesson 34A-The Great Stage–Wisdom Path of the right view of emptiness, Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Text of the Heart Sutra–IV, The Great Supernormal Mantra (146-188) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
June 21, 2025: Lesson 33B–The Great Stage–Wisdom Path of the right view of emptiness, Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Text of the Heart Sutra–IV, The Perfection of a Buddha (140-145) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
June 7, 2025: Lesson 33AThe Great Stage–Wisdom Path of the right view of emptiness, Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Text of the Heart Sutra–IV, The Perfection of a Buddha (104-139) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
May 17, 2025: Lesson 32B–The Great Stage–Wisdom Path of the right view of emptiness, Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Text of the Heart Sutra–IV, The “Three Times, Anuttara, & Samyak” (84-103) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
May 10, 2025: Lesson 32A–The Great Stage–Wisdom Path of the right view of emptiness, Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Text of the Heart Sutra–IV, The “Three Times, Anuttara, & Samyak” (69-83) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
May 3, 2025: Lesson 31-The Great Stage–Wisdom Path of the right view of emptiness, Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Text of the Heart Sutra–IV, The Different Levels of Nirvana (24-68) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
April 26, 2025: Lesson 30–The Great Stage–Wisdom Path of the right view of emptiness, Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Text of the Heart Sutra–IV, “Having forever left inverted dream-thinking, they dwell in ultimate nirvana.” (25-43 ) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
April 19, 2025: Lesson 29C–The Great Stage–Wisdom Path of the right view of emptiness, Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Text of the Heart Sutra–IV, “. . . Bodhisattvas rely on prajna-paramita, and thus their minds have no hindrance.” (18-24) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
April 12, 2025: Lesson 29B–The Great Stage–Wisdom Path of the right view of emptiness, Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Text of the Heart Sutra–IV, “. . . Bodhisattvas rely on prajna-paramita, and thus their minds have no hindrance.” (13-19) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
April 5, 2025: Lesson 29A-The Great Stage–Wisdom Path of the right view of emptiness, Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Text of the Heart Sutra–IV, “. . . Bodhisattvas rely on prajna-paramita, and thus their minds have no hindrance.” (1-12) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
CLICK for article on the last class held on DCB24 and links to all 13 ZOOM class discussions on DCB24 held from January 4, 2025 to March 29, 2025,
January 4, 2025: Roadmap to C41(A)–Three Principal Stages & Paths of Buddhist Practice. Video of class discussion.
CLICK for article on the last class held on DCB23 and links to all 13 ZOOM class discussions on DCB23 held from August 24, 2024 to November 16, 2024,
CLICK for article on the last class held on DCB22 and links to videos of all 21 ZOOM class discussions on DCB22 held from February 10, 2024 to April 20, 2024 and from June 29, 2024 to August 3, 2024.
CLICK for article on the last class held on DCB21 and links to videos of all 18 ZOOM class discussions on DCB21 held from November 21, 2022 to April 1, 2023. Note: not all of the forwards, notes, and introductions are complete.
CLICK for article on last class held on DCB26 and links to videos of all 8 ZOOM class discussions held on DCB26 held from April 20, 2024 to June 22, 2024.
CLICK for Background information on Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra and why it is such an important text.
CLICK for information on S01-Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation (SAUMOL) Seminar.
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