The Heart Sutra Reborn:

By William AltigAn American Blues Interpretation

Philosophy

Spirituality and Religion

Length39m

About this book

Summary

The Buddha's shortest and most powerful teaching, reimagined through the soul of American Blues. For 1,600 years, the Heart Sutra has offered liberation in just 260 words. Now, translator William Altig brings this ancient wisdom to life through the rhythms and raw honesty of the Blues tradition. Follow Avalokiteśvara—the One Who Hears the Cries of the World—as she looks deep into the heart of reality and discovers what the Blues has always known: when you've got nothing left to hold onto, that's when you're finally free. This interpretive translation includes prose and verse renderings, call-and-response chants, and insights connecting Buddhist wisdom to the lived experience of suffering and liberation. Listen to "The Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom" by The William Altig Choir: https://soundcloud.com/d-william-altig/the-heart-of-the-perfection-of-wisdom Gate gate pāragate pārasaṃgate bodhi svāhā. Gone, gone, gone beyond—awake forever.

Book information

Rating

★★★★★ (5.0) (2)

Genre

Philosophy, Spirituality and Religion

Length

39 mins

Publish date

Dec 9, 2025

Language

English

About the Author

William Altig

William Altig is a cultural translator and author whose blues interpretation of the Lotus Sutra draws on the rich tradition of African American spiritual performance. His work honors the text's history of oral transmission while engaging contemporary performance traditions including blues, gospel, spoken word, and theater. The complete translation is designed for performance and includes specific guidance for oral delivery, pacing, emphasis, and emotional resonance. Altig is available for readings, collaborative artistic projects, and educational workshops on dharma and the performing arts.View all Audiobooks by William Altig

1Prajñāpāramitā Hṛdaya Sūtra

15Section 6: All Buddhas Attain Enlightenment

2Publication Information

16Section 7: The Mantra

3Introduction: The Song of Emptiness

17For the Curious Mind

4The Oldest Song

18Practice Instructions: Living the Heart Sutra

5Why the Blues?

19Morning Chanting Practice