The diamond sutra book

Because of oshos freestyle talking, sometimes he or maybe i lost track of the sutra itself. This simple text has been empowered, transformed, and personalized in the chinese buddhist mind. Written in chinese and featuring an illustrated frontispiece, the woodblock printed scroll is fivemetres long and dated 868ad. The diamond sutra has fascinated buddhists for centuries because of its insights into dualism and illusion. He bashes the practice of selfcontrol, offhandedly labeling it as mere ascetism. The diamond sutra vajracchedika prajnaparamita sutra. Or that by the time gutenberg got ink on his fingers nearly 600 years later and his revolutionary technology helped usher in the enlightenment this copy of the diamond sutra had been hidden.

We cant promise sudden enlightenment, but we can tell you that mu soengs version is one of the best. In addition to the actual text of the diamond sutra this web site provides a diamond sutra background page which explains the origins of the diamond sutra and information about how this new translation was done. While this copy of the diamond sutra is now considered the oldest known printed book, its contents are central to indian buddhism, and are believed to have been translated from. Red pines translation of the diamond sutra, is, in my opinion, the best out there. It is known as the diamond sutra because its teachings are said to be like diamonds that cut away all dualistic thought, releasing one from the attachment to objects and bringing one to the further shore of enlightenment. The diamond sutra s chinese localization has not changed the meaning of the sutra, but it has influenced the way it is practiced and the attitude people have tow. Printed over 1,100 years ago, a chinese copy of the. The diamond sutra is a teaching from the buddha himself. I own a number of copies of the diamond sutra but this is my favourite.

This audio reading of the diamond sutra was sent to me by ryan, a reader of this site who was inspired to make an audio version of this translation of the diamond sutra. One day, after the buddha finishes his daily walk to collect alms, a senior monk steps forth to ask how he can best help humanity. A commentary on the diamond sutra book online at best prices in india on. One of the more senior monks, subhuti, comes forth and asks the buddha a question. Made in 868 ad and written in chinese, the text contains a significant dialogue on perception, and is one of the most important sacred works of the buddhist faith.

This diamond sutra is a diamond, the most valuable diamond that exists in the world literature. Nobody has spoken like that, nobody has taken such flights. In this book, red pine presents a translation of the sutra based on his studies of the sanskrit and. This sutra appears in thich nhat hanh, chanting from the. Sutras are very important to buddhism, a religion that developed in what is now india and spread to china hundreds of years before the diamond sutra was printed in 868 ce. The diamond sutra was displayed in the british library at one stage near a gutenberg bible with the latter labeled as the worlds earliest printed book.

A landmark publication which offers western readers a unique combination of what buddhists worldwide consider the holiest of holy texts the diamond sutra and the heart sutra, two sutras, or scriptures, ascribed to the early centuries of the first millennium. What follows is a dialogue regarding the nature of perception. The diamond sutra is one of the greatest sermons of buddha. Jan 07, 2018 the diamond sutra vajracchedika prajnaparamita sutra is one of the prajnaparamita perfection of wisdom sutras of mahayana buddhism. In the centuries that followed, all memory of this vast storehouse seems to have been lost, but the precious artifacts survived in safety until the 20th century, when they were rediscovered by an appreciating world. While this copy of the diamond sutra is now considered the oldest known printed book, its contents are central to indian buddhism, and are. Listen in on an enlightening conversation between the buddha and his disciple subhuti part of the night lotus productions offering. Jun 25, 2019 the diamond sutra played an important role in the life of huineng 6387, the sixth patriarch of chan. Translated into a variety of languages over a broad geographic range, the diamond sutra is one of the most influential mahayana sutras in east asia, and is particularly. The oldest known printed book in the world the vajracchedika prajnaparamita sutra has been translated from sanskrit into english variously as the diamond sutra, the diamond cutter sutra, the vajra sutra and the vajra cutter sutra.

The diamond sutra the diamond that cuts through illusion a new translation in english by alex johnson read by chris johnys. But one that most people dont know about is the diamond sutra the worlds earliest dated and printed book. Few venture that the answer is a revered buddhist text called the diamond sutra, printed in 868 a. Prices version is still a classic, and better in terms of flow, pines edition expresses clearly the difficult teachings of emptiness, many of which are missed in more eloquent versions. Mu soengs interpretation of the diamond sutra is an attempt to present traditional buddhist insights, as found in one of the fundamental scriptures of mahayana buddhism, in a modern or postmodern form appropriate for contemporary practitioners and others interested in making ancient wisdom relevant and vital for today. Also known by its sanskrit title vajracchedika, the diamond sutra posits that something is what it is only because of what it is not. It is recorded in huinengs autobiography that when he was an adolescent selling firewood in a marketplace, he heard someone reciting the diamond sutra and immediately became enlightened. A general explanation of the vajra prajna paramita sutra by dhyana master. This sutra a sanskrit word that means a religious teaching or sermon, in particular that of the buddha is commonly regarded as one of the most revered texts of mahayana buddhism.

Indeed they are among the most popular sutras within the mahayana cannon as a whole. May 11, 2016 smart news keeping you current five things to know about the diamond sutra, the worlds oldest dated printed book printed over 1,100 years ago, a chinese copy of the diamond sutra at the british. The book of kells, the gutenberg bible, and the dead sea scrolls. Among the manuscripts was perhaps the oldest printed book actually a scroll in existence, the diamond sutra, dated 868. Diamond sutra, first printed book on 11 may 868 ce history. In this sutra one can find an erasure of what has classically been believed to be the way it is for humanity.

Liu zhankui, an enlightened spiritual master who has realized the reality wisdom, is one of the most fundamental, comprehensive, thorough and wisdom interpretations of the classic diamond sutra. He is the author of many books on buddhism, including trust in mind and the diamond sutra. The oldest complete, printed and dated book to have survived is the diamond sutra. Sep 27, 2018 the diamond sutra is one of the most revered texts of mahayana buddhism. The diamond cutter sutra sung in english aka diamond sutra. Diamond sutra is now recognized as one of the worlds great literary jewels.

This book is an excellent look at the diamond sutra at the british library, the oldest dated printed book. It is known as the diamond sutra because its teachings are said to be like diamonds that cut away all dualistic thought, releasing one from the attachment to objects and. Frontispiece of the chinese diamond sutra, the oldest known dated printed book in the world. Buddhist sutras have preserved and transmitted the direct words and teachings of sakyamuni buddha at first as oral tradition, later written since the fourth century b. This copy of the diamond sutra in chinese language, complete with a beautifully illustrated frontispiece, is the worlds earliest dated, printed book. It is an important buddhist text that has a long and profound history. Zen buddhism is often said to be a practice of mindtomind transmission without reliance on texts in fact, some great teachers forbid their students to read or write.

A typical english translation contains about 6,000 words, and an average reader could finish it in less than 30 minutes, easily. In this sutra the buddha has finished his daily walk, and sits down to rest. Vajracchedika prajnaparamita sutra is a mahayana buddhist. About the book the diamond sutras chinese localization has not changed the meaning of the sutra, but it has influenced the way it is practiced and the attitude people have towards the sutra, altering the relationship between buddhists and the sutra and the role the sutra plays in peoples lives. Aug 02, 2009 the diamond sutra is one of the most historically important texts in the buddhist faith, in part because a copy of it is the oldest surviving dated printed book in the world 868 a. After buddhas death, these sutras have been remembered by buddhas great disciple ananda, who was the only disciple who had lived continuously for 45 years with buddha. The great sixth patriarch of zen, huineng, is said to have achieved enlightenment after hearing a single line of this sutra. The diamond sutra, now recognized as one of the worlds great literary jewels, has recently undergone conservation. The sutra of hui neng is the longest of these three works, and is different again. Jun 25, 2015 this translation of the diamond that cuts through illusion, sometimes known simply as the diamond sutra, has been prepared by thich nhat hanh from the vajracchedika prajnaparamita sutra in sanskrit, and the chinese taisho revised tripitaka, no. It begins by subhuti asking for guidance on how to control his thoughts.

Osho comments in a series of talks on these sutras and brings buddhas teachings into the 21st century. I was asked by a subscriber to my channel to identify five or so books that have been meaningful to me and that i consider important to those on. Audio reading of diamond sutra diamond sutra a new. The diamond sutra is one of the most revered texts of mahayana buddhism and a jewel of the worlds religious literature. The diamond sutra a general explanation of the vajra the diamond sutra, along with the heart sutra, are among the most popular works of the prajnaparamita group of sutra. Nov 12, 2012 ask people to name the worlds oldest printed book and the common reply is gutenbergs bible. The diamond sutra book by mu soeng official publisher. The diamond sutra and the sutra of huineng by wong mou. The diamond sutra, composed in india in the fourth century ce, is one of the most treasured works of buddhist literature and is the oldest existing printed book in the world. Jan 30, 2012 the diamond sutra, along with the heart sutra, are among the most popular works of the prajnaparamita group of sutras. The diamond sutra, the earliest surviving dated complete printed.

About this web site a new translation message from alex johnson no interpretations make up. This book is the offering of no mind, born of compassion for all suffering beings. The diamond sutra is one of the most influential mahayana sutras in east asia, and is a key object. The diamond sutra by anonymous, the heart sutra by red pine, the diamond that cuts through illusion. The vajracchedika prajnaparamita sutra has been translated from sanskrit into english variously as the diamond sutra, the diamond cutter sutra, the vajra sutra and the vajra cutter sutra. Five things to know about the diamond sutra, the worlds oldest dated printed book printed over 1,100 years ago, a chinese copy of the diamond sutra at. The perfection of wisdom sanskrit hardcover november 1.

The text focuses around the buddhist philosophy of prajnaparamita, or the perfection of wisdom. When it comes to ancient texts, most are familiar with the big names. Osho reminds us how the understanding of what is meant by emptiness is based on the experience and personal realization of impermanence. Text and commentaries translated from sanskrit and chinese is a book that i recommend to readers who want to explore the various diamond sutra translations and exegesis that remains untranslated today. Presents a definitive translation of the diamond sutra, one of the fundamental texts of mahayana buddhism, and the heart sutra, along with extensive commentary on. The diamond sutra, along with the heart sutra also available translated by red pine, are arguably the two most popular works of the prajnaparamita group of sutras. This goes against the teachings of zen buddhism, of which he proclaimed himself an enlightened master of.

The diamond sutra is the worlds earliest dated printed book. The diamond sutra is relatively short, only 6,000 words and is part of a larger canon of sutras or sacred texts in mahayana buddhism, the branch of buddhism most common in. The diamond sutra, a sanskrit text translated into chinese, was one of 40,000 scrolls and documents hidden in the cave of a thousand buddhas, a secret library sealed up around the year 1,000. Everything you need to know about the ancient diamond sutra. The diamond sutra was written over 25 centuries ago. Of all the sutras that teach this teaching, this is the diamond. The story of the worlds earliest dated printed book, londres, british library, 2010, 112 p. Five things to know about the diamond sutra, the worlds. But if you feel that you cannot fly so high, dont close yourself. One of the best known commentaries is the exegesis on the diamond sutra by huineng, the sixth patriarch of the chan school. Pdf the diamond sutra download full pdf book download. It is made up of seven pages of paper pasted into a roll just over five metres long. The diamond sutra may look like a book, but its really the body of the buddha. I was surprised when i discovered the wealth of historical material in the book on the development of mahayana thought and the bodhisattva ideal.

But its a body with nothing inside and nothing outside. Zen buddhism is often said to be a practice of mindtomind trans. Jun 28, 2016 the vajracchedika prajnaparamita sutra has been translated from sanskrit into english variously as the diamond sutra, the diamond cutter sutra, the vajra sutra and the vajra cutter sutra. Mu soeng, a former zen monk and teacher, is the scholarinresidence at the barre center for buddhist studies. A new translation of the worlds oldest printed book. A general explanation of the vajra prajna paramita sutra. The fascinating discovery of the worlds oldest book. The diamond sutra is a jewel of religious literature and one of the most revered texts of mahayana buddhism. Sep 04, 2018 when it comes to ancient texts, most are familiar with the big names. The opening gatha was composed by thich nhat hanh to precede the translation.

Printed copy of the diamond sutra the british library. It was found in a holy site called the mogao or peerless caves or the. The diamond sutra by anonymous goodreads share book. The diamond sutra download books, sacred, spiritual.

The diamond sutra is a historical recording of a conversation between buddha and one of his followers. Selfcontrol is what helps breed genuine selfrespect and confidence, not book sales mr. Five things to know about the diamond sutra, the worlds oldest dated printed book. It was produced on the 11 may 868, according to the western calendar.

The diamond sutra is a buddhist sutra from the perfection of wisdom genre, and emphasizes the practice of nonabiding and nonattachment. Diamond sutra a new translation of the classic buddhist text. Dec 15, 2011 historically a copy of the diamond sutra is the oldest known printed book circa 868 ce the term diamond refers to the diamond sword, an allusion to the ease which buddhist teachings cut. Composed of 32 short chapters, the diamond sutra is nonetheless one of the monumental scriptures of mahayana buddhism.

Oct 05, 2015 the diamond sutra the diamond that cuts through illusion a new translation in english by alex johnson read by chris johnys. The diamond sutra features prominently in the platform sutra, the religious biography of huineng, where hearing its recitation is supposed to have triggered the enlightening insight that led huineng to abandon his life as a woodcutter to become a buddhist monk. The diamond sutra and the sutra of huineng by huineng. The diamond sutra may look like a book, but its really the. This is the buddhist teaching on the perfection of wisdom and cuts through all obstacles on the path of practice. Browse the amazon editors picks for the best books of 2019, featuring our. It is a remarkable document, telling the history of the sixth chan patriarch, hui neng 6387, a semilegendary teacher who, though uneducated and illiterate, gained enlightenment when accidentally hearing the diamond sutra being recited. The book is both biography and record of his sermonslecturesdiscussions with his students. Jul 29, 2019 some of the essential points of the diamond sutra are emptiness, the absence of self, nonattachment. This sutra a sanskrit word that means a religious teaching or sermon, in particular that of the buddha is commonly regarded as one of the most revered.

Five things to know about the diamond sutra, the worlds oldest. Written more than 25 centuries ago, the diamond sutra is the first text to record the buddhas own teachings, and it remains one of the most popular. The buddhist text known as the diamond sutra is believed to be the oldest surviving printed book in the world. The diamond sutra, the heart sutra, the sutra of hui neng. It is meant for a general audience explaining the history of the sutra, how it lay buried for a years in dunhuang, and how it came to the british library. The diamond sutra by sol ta triane nook book ebook. This is truly a diamondcutting sutra which gets right to the heart of what i think of as rising above, or transcending what is usually acceptable as everyday human experience. The rest includes some commentary of the authors own, with liberal quotations from other commentaries and from other buddhist and daoist writings that have something to do with the point. There have been numerous commentaries on the diamond sutra and many attempts to make sense of the repetition within it, one theory being that it comprises two versions of the sutra, back to back. Ask people to name the worlds oldest printed book and the common reply is gutenbergs bible. So i even had to separately find and read the full englishtranslated text of the sutra. This book starts with a translation of the diamond cutter perfection of wisdom sutra. Mar 01, 1979 i didnt really enjoy this book, the diamond sutra, as much as the heart sutra. Vajracchedika prajnaparamita sutra is a mahayana buddhist sutra from the prajnaparamita sutras or perfection of wisdom genre.