The Vimalakīrti SūtraThe Vimalakirti Sutra, one of the most influential works of the Mahayana Buddhist canon, is of particular importance in the Ch'an or Zen sect. Originally written in sanskrit, probably in the first century C.E., it claims to record events of more than four hundred years earlier. Noted for its eloquent, orderly exposition of the basic tenets of Mahayana, the text is also remarkable for the liveliness of its episodes and frequent touches of humor, rarities in a religious work of this type. The Vimalakirti Sutra is unusual in that its central figure is not a Buddha or Buddhas, but a wealthy townsman, Vimalakirti, who epitomizes the ideal lay believer. For this reason, and because of the Sutra's enduring literary appeal, it has been particularly popular among lay Buddhists in China, Japan, and the other Asian countries where Mahayana doctrines prevail, and has exercised a marked influence on literature and art. Beautifully translated by Burton Watson from the Chinese version of Kumarajiva, The Vimalakirti Sutra is the first-ever translation into englishfrom the popular Chinese version. Including notes to the translation and a glossary, as well as a brief history of early. Buddhism and an introduction to the doctrine of nondualism-a key tenet in Mahayana thought -this translation will delight not only those familiar with the text but also a new generation of readers. |
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acquire adorned alms Ananda arhat assembly attaining anuttara-samyak-sambodhi attains Buddhahood birth and death blessings bodhi bodhisattva body born Brahma Buddha lands Buddhism Burton Watson Chinese city of Vaishali compassion competent to visit convert living defilement delight devil Dharma doctrine dualism dwell earthly desires emancipation Beyond Comprehension empty enlightenment enter the gate existence expedient means expounding the Law form a dualism formlessness forty-two Ganges Four Heavenly Kings fragrance gate of nondualism goddess heard Hinayana hisattva illness immeasurable Indra Jambudvipa kalpa Layman Mahakashyapa Mahayana Maitreya major disciples Manjushri meditation minds on attaining monks never nirvana nonaction paperback paramitas Parasol persons phantom phenomena place of practice pratyekabuddha preach the Law precepts pure land purity retribution sense-media set their minds Shakyamuni Buddha Shariputra supernatural powers things thirty-seven elements thought thousand tion transcendental powers translation truth of birthlessness understand Vaishali views Vimalakirti approached Vimalakirti replied Vimalakirti Sutra voice-hearer wisdom World-Honored