Qing · by 王起隆述
3,826 · about 13 min
Wang Qilong was a Buddhist scholar of the Qing Dynasty. His work *The Essence of the Heart Sutra* serves as a commentary and elucidation of the *Heart Sutra of the Perfection of Wisdom*. Qing Dynasty Buddhism continued the traditions of earlier periods, emphasizing the study of scriptures and exploration of doctrinal principles. Wang Qilong’s writings reflect the importance that Buddhist scholars of this era placed on Prajñā (Wisdom) thought. *The Essence of the Heart Sutra* provides an in-depth analysis of the core ideas of the Heart Sutra, including the Prajñā view of emptiness such as “form is emptiness, emptiness is form,” emphasizing the realization of true reality through wisdom and the transcendence of attachment. This work holds a significant position within Buddhist literature, offering valuable material for the study of Prajñā scriptures and Qing Dynasty Buddhist thought, and continues to be referenced by Buddhist scholars and practitioners to this day.