This is the final part of the standard Tibetan version of the Heart Sutra, which includes instructions on practicing the sutra and an averting ritual. I have also added it to the previous Heart Sutra post (see “Translations” on the right-hand side).
The Conclusion to the Heart-Essence of the Far-Reaching Perfection of Sublime Gnosis Sutra
If you want to practice this sutra, visualize that in the space in front of you is the Thus Gone One, the Tathagata, Shakyamuni Buddha. He is displaying the mudra of “Subduing Mara”, and is surrounded by Avalokiteshvara and Shariputra, who are exchanging questions and answers, etc., and a retinue of the Mahayana and Hinayana sanghas.
While contemplating the meaning of emptiness in your mind, recite the profound sutra up to seven times, or as many times as you like, and recite the gnostic mantra as many times as is appropriate.
Finally, to turn back the maras:
I pay homage to the Buddha!
I pay homage to the Dharma!
I pay homage to the Sangha!
I pay homage to the Great Mother, the Far-Reaching Perfection of Sublime Gnosis!
May my words of truth be accomplished!
Just as, in the past, the powerful lord of the gods, Indra, reflected upon the profound meaning of the Far-Reaching Perfection of Sublime Gnosis in his mind, recited these words aloud, and through this turned back the maras, destructive forces, all other negativity and disharmony in all directions, in that same way, may I, through reflecting upon the profound meaning of the Far-Reaching Perfection of Sublime Gnosis and reciting these words aloud, turn back the maras, destructive forces, and all other negativity and disharmony in all directions.
May they be obliterated!
May the be pacified!
May they be entirely pacified!
And in conclusion:
Whatever arises through interdependent connection
Is unceasing and unborn,
Is uninterrupted, yet is not permanent,
Does not come, and does not go,
Is not separate, yet is not identical.
This is the complete pacification of elaborations.
This pacification is revealed by the noble speech of perfect and complete buddhas, and to this sacred truth, I pay homage!
And with this, recite dedications and auspicious aspirations.
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