But when we recite the heart sutra, I just recite word by word
without guessing the meaning ?
My mind have the tendency to think of the meaning when I
recite.
When reciting Buddha names, I work more on achieving
one-pointedness.
With sutras, I do at the same time pay attention to the meaning
when reciting. I think especially with the Heart Sutra, it's
important to contemplate the teaching of Emptiness contained
therein. Of course, concentration is also important as it
will help you "penetrate" the meaning more. (seldom recite
sutras though)
I don't read the Chinese newspapers much but my family member
told me that Long-gen fashi concentrated on reciting the
Heart Sutra in the last days before his passing. Am pretty
sure he couldn't just have been reciting it without contemplation
on its meaning.