The Heart Sutra:
A Conversation Between Wisdom & Compassion
A Reiki Origins Journey
The system of Reiki is built on the foundation of ancient Shinto and Shingon / Tendai Buddhist traditions. Central to the philosophy of Shingon is the Heart Sutra, a short yet potent passage from the texts of Mahayana Buddhism.
Chanting this 24-line sutra is one of the most ubiquitous practices within Buddhism the world over, particularly within the Japanese forms. Working with this sutra over time embodies within us a wide open mind, and as described by internationally known Reiki teacher Frans Stiene,
“The mind doesn’t cling to anything (worry, fear, or analyzing the present moment). It [the Heart Sutra] is seen as healing, empowerment, spiritual blessing. Feeling deep interconnectedness with everything, deep within our being.
When our mind is wide open we realize we are already interconnected, everything is interconnected with everything.”
These spiritual principals help form the container within which the system of Reiki rests, and so it benefits anyone interested in Reiki, or in Buddhist practice, to spend some time with this powerful sutra.
Through chanting, breath and guided reflection, we will be led into relationship with this beautiful practice through three immersive 2-hour classes on Sundays, plus three 45-min practice sessions on Thursday evenings.
Who is This Journey For?: This experience is for anyone with interest in Reiki and/or Buddhist practice, whether or not you have trained in it. This is an initial experience with a spiritual teaching and practice that runs very deep. If this introduction sparks curiosity or passion for going deeper, we’ll share resources on how you can learn and experience more.
Format: Each 2-hour class session will include deep and meditative engagement with the Heart Sutra, supported through brief teachings about this text in the context of Japanese Buddhism, and group reflection on our experiences with this sutra. We will divide the 24-line sutra into three parts, working with 1/3 of it each week.
The Wednesday practice sessions will focus on chanting practice, to support you to ease into this challenging mantra. You will have access to recordings of each session and additional materials via a private webpage.
When & How:
Sundays July 13, 20 & 27: 10am - 12pm Pacific Time / 1 -3pm Eastern Time
Thursdays (optional) 17, 24 & 31: 5 - 5:45pm
Once registered, you are welcome to drop in to as many of these sessions as you like. We’ll gather over Zoom, link provided upon registration. Recordings will be made available.
Investment: Offered on a sliding scale of $95 - $135. The actual price is $65 for all 21 days. Select a discounted ticket if the full price is a hardship for you. Select a Pay-it-Forward price to sponsor a discounted ticket for others.
Feel free to reach out with questions to michaela@heartscapesinsight.com