Teaching: The Perfection of Wisdom, in one Letter

Lama Jillian Narayan

Watch the full talk here

The Heart of Wisdom: Lessons from the Sutra in One Letter

On a serene morning in May 2025, a small group gathered to explore the profound teachings of the Heart Sutra and the wisdom of non-attachment, guided by Lama Jillian. What unfolded was a rich tapestry of philosophical insights, vivid metaphors, and timeless stories that illuminated the path to inner peace and enlightenment. At the heart of the discussion was the Perfection of Wisdom in One Letter, a distilled expression of Buddhist philosophy that challenges us to see beyond illusion and embrace the interconnectedness of all things.

The Soup of Existence: A Metaphor for Impermanence

Lama Jillian began with a deceptively simple question: “What is soup?” The responses varied—an endless bowl of liquid, a blend of ingredients in broth—but each pointed to a deeper truth. Soup, Lama Jillian explained, is not a singular entity. It exists only as a temporary combination of ingredients: water, vegetables, noodles, perhaps meat. When these elements come together, we call it “soup” and savor its flavors—salty, sweet, sour, bitter, umami. Yet, when the bowl is empty, we mourn its absence, forgetting that the soup was never a fixed thing.

This metaphor captures the essence of the three marks of existence in Buddhist thought: impermanence, interconnectedness, and the absence of a permanent self. Just as soup dissolves when its ingredients are separated, our lives—our bodies, minds, and personalities—are impermanent. They arise from conditions, exist briefly, and then dissolve. “There was never a soup here,” Lama Jillian said, extending the analogy to our own existence. Our personalities, shaped by upbringing and environment, are not eternal; they too will dissolve, leaving no trace of a fixed self.

This insight invites us to stop chasing fleeting happiness and to accept the present moment with calm clarity. By recognizing that everything changes, we can navigate life’s challenges with equanimity, free from the chaos of anger or attachment.

The Happiest Moment: A Gateway to Devotion

To ground this teaching, Lama Jillian invited the group to reflect on their happiest moment—the pinnacle of joy in their lives. For two minutes, participants closed their eyes and immersed themselves in memories of love, connection, or beauty. This exercise was not mere nostalgia; it was a bridge to devotion, a way to connect with the Perfection of Wisdom. By recalling a moment of pure joy, we touch the essence of enlightenment—a state of boundless compassion and clarity.

Lama Jillian then introduced the Perfection of Wisdom in One Letter, a teaching attributed to the Buddha on the sacred mount of Rajgir. This single syllable, Lama Jillian explained, encapsulates the entire path to enlightenment. It is a reminder that wisdom is not found in complexity but in simplicity, in the direct realization of reality as it is. For those accustomed to elaborate rituals, this teaching may seem startlingly brief. Yet, as Lama Jillian noted, whether through a single syllable or a hundred thousand verses, all practices point to the same goal: liberation from illusion.

The Mantra of Wisdom: Crossing the River

The discussion turned to the famous mantra of the Heart Sutra. Lama Jillian shared their personal journey with this mantra, reflecting on initial attempts to dissect its meaning through linguistic analysis. Over time, they realized that its power lies not in intellectual understanding but in devotion. The mantra, they explained, is a map of the spiritual journey.

Drawing from Sanskrit and Hindi roots, Lama Jillian offered a poetic interpretation. Gate means “gone” or “to the other shore,” symbolizing the crossing from delusion to enlightenment. Paragate suggests going beyond, to the far side of the river of existence. Parasamgate signifies complete transcendence, and Bodhi represents awakening. Svaha, often translated as “all is good,” is an affirmation of completion, a release of ego into the flow of reality.

This mantra, Lama Jillian emphasized, meets us where we are. For those new to practice, it invites intellectual curiosity; for the devoted, it is a direct expression of truth. Its universality lies in its ability to guide us across the river of suffering, toward the shore of liberation.

Nagarjuna’s Wisdom: Stories of Compassion and Clarity

To illustrate these teachings, Lama Jillian shared three stories about Nagarjuna, the revered Buddhist philosopher who brought the Perfection of Wisdom sutras to the world. Each tale highlighted the interplay of compassion and wisdom, showing how even the purest intentions require discernment.

In the first story, Nagarjuna, moved by the poverty of a village, planned to transform a granite mountain into gold to alleviate their suffering. As he prepared to wield his alchemical powers, the Buddha Manjushri intervened, warning that such wealth would ignite greed and war. This story underscores the necessity of wisdom to temper compassion. Generosity, however well-intentioned, can lead to harm without insight into human nature.

The second story took us underwater, to the palace of the Naga king. Nagarjuna, seeking the Perfection of Wisdom sutras, descended into the ocean’s depths. The Naga king, testing his intentions, asked why he sought such wisdom. Nagarjuna’s selfless response—that he wished only to help others—earned him the sacred scrolls. This tale celebrates Nagarjuna’s role as a conduit of wisdom, bringing teachings from the mythical to the human realm.

Finally, Lama Jillian recounted how Nagarjuna halted a kingdom’s violent sacrifices during a drought. Confronting a ritual poised to slaughter hundreds of beings, he urged the king to choose generosity over bloodshed. By sharing what little they had, the people transformed their community, and the rains returned. This story illustrates the transformative power of non-violence and collective compassion.

Walking on Water: The Power of Non-Attachment

The session closed with a vivid image: Nagarjuna walking across a river, unburdened by attachment. When onlookers marveled at his feat, he replied, “When the heart is free of attachment, nothing will weigh you down.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the heart of Buddhist practice. Non-attachment does not mean indifference; it is the freedom to engage with life fully, without clinging to impermanent things.

Lama Jillian’s teachings, woven through metaphors and stories, invite us to see ourselves as “soups”—temporary, interconnected, and ever-changing. By embracing impermanence, cultivating wisdom, and practicing non-attachment, we can cross the river of suffering and awaken to the boundless joy of enlightenment.

As the group dispersed, the single syllable of the Perfection of Wisdom lingered in the air—a reminder that the path to liberation is as simple as it is profound. May we all, like Nagarjuna, walk lightly, act with compassion, and seek wisdom in every step.

#prajñaparamita #nagarjuna