The Diamond Sutra and the Sutra of Hui NengThe Diamond Sutra, composed in India in the fourth century CE, is one of the most treasured works of Buddhist literature and the oldest extant printed book in the world. It is known as the Diamond Sutra because its teaching is said to be like a diamond that cuts away all dualistic thought, releasing one from attachment to objects and bringing one to the further shore of enlightenment. The Sutra of Hui-neng, also known as the Platform Sutra, contains the autobiography of this pivotal figure in Zen history and some of the most profound passages in Zen literature. Hui-neng (638-713), the Sixth Patriarch of Zen in China, is often regarded as the true father of the Zen tradition. A poor illiterate woodcutter, he was said to have attained enlightenment upon hearing a recitation of The Diamond Sutra. Taken together, these two scriptures present the central teachings of a major Buddhist tradition and are essential reading for all students of Buddhism. |
Contents
PREFACE | 6 |
The Diamond Sutra | 7 |
FOREWORD by Dr W Y Evans Wentz II | 11 |
Copyright | |
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abide asked the Patriarch attachment Bhikkhu Bodhi Bodhisattva Buddha-knowledge Buddha-nature Buddhahood Buddhist called Ch'an Chih Huang Consummation of Incomparable defilement delusion Dharma Dharmakaya Dhyana Master Dhyana School Diamond Sutra disciples Discourse doctrine ego-entity Essence of Mind eternal evil existence Holiness Hsüan Chiao Hsüan Ts'ê Hui Neng ignorant Incomparable Enlightenment kalpa Learned Audience liberation meaning merit Monastery monks nature Nirmanakaya Nirvana Non-attachment obeisance objects ourselves Parinirvana Path Perfection of Transcendental phenomena physical body practice Prajna preached Prefect Wei Pure Land purity quintessence realise the Essence receive and retain recite the Sutra replied the Patriarch robe Samadhi Sambhogakaya Sanskrit Scriptures Section sentient separated individuality Shao Chou Shen Hsiu Shen Hui Sixth Patriarch Sravakas stanza Subhuti Sudden Sutra says take refuge Tathagata Tathata things thought Transcendental Wisdom translation transmitted Trikaya Truth Ts'ao Ch'i understand Vehicle vijnanas Vimalakirti void W. Y. Evans-Wentz Wherefore Wong Mou-lam World-honoured