Hsi Lai Temple Participates in “Heart Sutra Recitation in Two Traditions” WorkshopExperiencing the Joy of Dharma Through Harmony in Diversity
Report by Pan Ching-Hsia, The Life News Agency, Los Angeles, USA
At the invitation of The Japan Foundation Los Angeles (JFLA), Venerable Huize of Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple’s Department of Social Education and Outreach participated as a representative of the Linji tradition of Chinese Buddhism in the workshop “Heart Sutra Recitation in Two Traditions” on the evening of April 22. Together with Venerable Shumyo Kojima, abbot of Zenshuji Buddhist Temple and representative of the Japanese Soto Zen tradition, he co-led the event, which was attended by approximately 45 participants. The two monastics guided attendees in exploring the spiritual significance of Heart Sutra recitation in their respective traditions, while participants also shared their experiences of Dharma joy.
The event took place during the Foundation’s special exhibition of Asian Buddhist artifacts. Surrounded by cultural treasures dating back nearly a thousand years, participants sat quietly—some cross-legged on the floor, others seated in chairs—immersing themselves in the contemplative atmosphere.
Both monastics explained that the Heart Sutra is one of the core scriptures of Buddhism. Through the wisdom teachings of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, it points to the ultimate understanding of the Dharma, which transcends words and concepts. Though concise in length, the sutra contains profound teachings and has been widely recited throughout Buddhist history.
Venerable Shumyo Kojima demonstrated the Soto Zen style of Japanese Heart Sutra chanting. Its steady rhythm and even-toned recitation emphasized dwelling fully in the present moment and experiencing the unity of body and mind. The precise movements and disciplined posture reflected the Soto tradition’s spirit of mindfulness and careful practice.
Venerable Huize then introduced the distinctive features of Heart Sutra recitation in the Linji tradition, both in Chinese and English. Characterized by melodic rises and falls resembling the rhythmic sound of ocean waves, the chanting highlighted mutual responsiveness and harmonious group recitation.
As the chanting resonated through the room, participants gradually settled their minds. Some closed their eyes in concentration, while others softly joined in the recitation.
Venerable Shumyo Kojima also shared a video of Japanese Zen monk Yogetsu Akasaka’s Heart Sutra Beatbox Remix, illustrating how the Heart Sutra continues to inspire people in innovative ways amid rapid technological and cultural change.
Participants raised a wide range of questions, many reflecting their own insights and Dharma joy. Topics included whether sutra translations should favor transliteration or meaning-based translation, interpretations of the famous passage “Form is not different from emptiness; emptiness is not different from form,” and reflections on the practice of moving from the “small self” to the “greater self” and ultimately to “no-self.”
One participant asked why, in the Heart Sutra, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva—who symbolizes compassion—delivers the teaching to Venerable Shariputra, who is renowned for his wisdom and understanding of emptiness.
Venerable Huize commended the question and explained that this arrangement reflects the Buddhist principle of the perfect integration of compassion and wisdom. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva embodies great compassion and altruistic vows, while Venerable Shariputra represents prajna wisdom and the realization of emptiness. Rather than being opposites, compassion and wisdom complement and fulfill one another in the path of Buddhist cultivation and realization.
Photo Captions (01-08 Photographed by Zhicheng Zhang)
