Heart Sutra Stainless Steel Ring – 260 Sacred Characters

This is a unisex band of polished 316L stainless steel, laser-engraved with the complete Heart Sutra (般若波罗蜜多心经) — all 260 Chinese characters of the text translated by Tang-dynasty master Xuanzang in 649 CE. The same scripture recited daily in Mahayana temples across China, Japan, Korea, and Tibet. Available in gold tone and silver tone. US sizes 6–12. What Is the Heart Sutra? 1,600 Years in 260 Characters The Prajñāpāramitā Hṛdaya Sūtra — “The Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom” — is the most recited text in the entire Mahayana Buddhist tradition. Buddhist scholar Karl Brunnhölzl calls it “the most frequently used and recited text in the entire Mahayana Buddhist tradition,” chanted every day for over 1,600 years in temples from Kyoto to Lhasa. “Form is emptiness. Emptiness is form.”— 色即是空，空即是色 · Heart Sutra, trans. Xuanzang, 649 CE The sutra is spoken by Avalokiteśvara (觀音, Guānyīn) — the Bodhisattva of Compassion — addressing the disciple Śāripūtra. Xuanzang’s Chinese version, containing exactly 260 characters, remains the definitive translation used in East Asian Buddhism. Every character on this ring comes from that canonical text. ❧ ❧ ❧ The Meaning Engraved on Your Finger Emptiness (空 / Śūnyatā) — Not Nothingness, But Freedom The sutra’s core teaching — emptiness — is widely misunderstood. It does not mean that nothing exists. It means that nothing has a fixed, independent essence. Every experience, every emotion, every “self” arises from causes and conditions, and therefore nothing deserves to be clung to. That realization is not a negative zero-ness — it is the doorway to freedom from anxiety, craving, and fear. Compassion — The Voice of Avalokiteśvara Because the sutra is spoken by the Bodhisattva of Compassion, wisdom and compassion are inseparable on this ring. Wearing it is a quiet reminder that clarity of mind and openness of heart belong together — a principle at the core of both Tibetan and Chinese Buddhist practice. The Closing Mantra — Gate Gate Pāragate Pārasaṃgate Bodhi Svāhā The engraving ends with the sutra’s mantra: “Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone altogether beyond — awakening, so be it.” (揭谛揭谛 波罗揭谛 波罗僧揭谛 菩提萨婆诃). Every time the ring turns on your finger, you carry that aspiration forward. Why a Ring? The Tibetan Tradition of Wearable Prayer At PotalaStore — named after the sacred Potala Palace of Lhasa — we draw directly from the Tibetan tradition of engraving mantras and sutras on wearable objects. In Tibetan Buddhism, a mantra inscribed on a rotating surface is believed to generate merit equivalent to recitation with every turn. A Heart Sutra ring is, in effect, a miniature wearable prayer wheel. Every gesture of your hand — typing, cooking, reaching for someone — becomes a soft, continuous recitation. Wherever this sutra travels with you, Tibetan and Chinese tradition holds that it creates an ambiance of blessings, protection, peace, and compassion. Product Details — Built to Last, Designed to Mean Something Material 316L Surgical-Grade Stainless Steel — hypoallergenic, biocompatible (ASTM F138/F139), tarnish- and corrosion-resistant Finish Options Gold Tone (IP/PVD plating) · Silver Tone (mirror-polished) Engraving Laser-engraved — Xuanzang’s complete 260-character Heart Sutra; permanent, fade-proof Band Width ~10 mm — bold, statement-making, balanced on any hand Sizes US 6 – 12 (unisex) Interior Smooth comfort-fit polish; safe for all-day wear The 316L stainless steel used here is the same alloy specified by ASTM F138/F139 and ISO 5832-1 for biomedical implants. It will not rust, tarnish, or trigger nickel-contact reactions under normal wear — a crucial advantage over gold-filled or brass-based Buddhist jewelry that degrades within months. How to Wear Your Heart Sutra Ring Middle finger — most common in Chinese tradition; associated with wealth, balance, and the Earth element. Index finger — intention, authority, and the aspiration toward wisdom. Left hand — the receiving hand: invite blessings, peace, and protection inward. Right hand — the projecting hand: radiate compassion and clarity outward. Before first wear, hold the ring in cupped palms, breathe deeply, and silently recite Gate Gate Pāragate three times. Set one clear intention. This is a practice recommended in both Tibetan and Chinese Buddhist traditions when consecrating a sacred object for personal use. Who This Ring Is For The Practitioner A Buddhist, meditator, or mindfulness student who wants the complete sutra physically present — at work, in traffic, in the quiet moments between. The Seeker Non-Buddhist drawn to Eastern philosophy, yoga, or Zen aesthetics. The Heart Sutra is open to all — respectful engagement is not appropriation. The Gift-Giver A meaningful, non-generic gift for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or any moment of transition — for your mother, father, partner, or closest friend. Care Instructions — Keep It Looking New for Years Daily wear: 316L is safe for sensitive skin and resists corrosion. Wipe with a soft cloth to remove oils after wear. Gold-tone finish: Remove before showering, swimming, or applying perfume to preserve the IP/PVD plating. Avoid: chlorine, bleach, and harsh chemical cleaners. Storage: Keep in the included soft pouch to prevent surface scratches. Spiritual cleansing: Periodically hold under moonlight or pass briefly through sage smoke — a simple Tibetan practice for re-energizing sacred objects. Frequently Asked Questions Can non-Buddhists wear a Heart Sutra ring? Absolutely. The sutra has been embraced across cultures for 1,600 years. Wear it with respect and it is an act of openness, not appropriation. What exactly is engraved on the ring? The complete 260-character Heart Sutra (般若波罗蜜多心经) in Xuanzang’s 649 CE Chinese translation — the canonical version chanted in Mahayana temples worldwide — closing with the mantra Gate Gate Pāragate Pārasaṃgate Bodhi Svāhā. Is the steel truly hypoallergenic? Yes. 316L surgical stainless steel is biocompatible to ASTM F138/F139 — the same standard used in joint implants and body-modification implants. It is one of the safest metals for all-day jewelry wear. Will the gold tone fade or tarnish? Under normal wear, no. The IP/PVD gold plating is bonded to the steel core. Keep it away from pools and harsh chemicals, and it will hold its color for years. What’s the difference between this ring and an Om Mani Padme Hum ring? Om Mani Padme Hum is a six-syllable compassion mantra. The Heart Sutra is a complete 260-character scripture explaining the wisdom of emptiness. This ring carries the entire sutra — including the mantra as its closing seal.