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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Common terms and phrases
able accept acquire action adorned alms Ananda anuttara-samyak-sambodhi appears assembly attain become birth blessings bodhi bodhisattva body born Brahma Buddha lands Buddhahood Buddhism called cause Chinese compassion Comprehension correct death delight desires devil Dharma directions disciples doctrine dualism dwell earthly eight elements emancipation empty enlightenment enter the gate equal existence expedient means expound extinction five follow four fragrance gain gate of nondualism goddess heads hear heard heavenly immeasurable Jeweled kalpa king known living Mahayana major Manjushri marks merits mind monks nature never offerings paperback past path persons phenomena place of practice possess powers practice preaching precepts present pure purity realm regard replied roots seats seeking seen Shariputra speak suffering sutra teachings things thinking thought thousand tion translation treats true truth understand various views Vimalakirti voice-hearer wisdom World-Honored