Are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, shadows,
Like dewdrops and lightening flashes.
We have to contemplate them thus. ”
The Diamond Sutra
The Vajracchedika Prajna-Paramita Sutra, ‘the Perfection of Wisdom which cuts like a Diamond’ is one of the two most famous scriptures in the vast Perfection of Wisdom (Prajna-paramita) group of the Mahayana Canon. This sutra sets forth the doctrines of prajna wisdom. It is a very popular scripture, and many commentaries have been written on it. It is also highly esteemed as a basic sutra in the Zen Sect. There are six Chinese translations: the most popular being the one translated by Tripitaka Master Kumarajiva of the Later Chin (Shih) Dynasty.
It was said that in an assembly of monks (bhikkus) numbering 1250, the venerable Subhuti got up and asked the Buddha how they should proceed to attain the perfect wisdom (anuttara-samyak-sambuddhi). He then explained at considerable length six practices (paramitas) – of charity (dana), of keeping the precepts (shila), of patience (kshanti), of resolution (virya), of meditation (dhyana), and of direct knowledge of wisdom (prajna). Each of these in turn is able to relieve us from attachment to self/ ego. We should not attach and cling to the attachment, to the forms of both beings and things. Finally, Subhuti asked by what name this scripture should be known, and Buddha said as the Vajracchedike Prajna Paramita. Vajra means diamond, because it is impregnable.
As practitioners, we should resolve to have a heart of wisdom based on the concept of non-substantiality, and live our lives the same as Buddha would: preaching, experiencing, contemplating and living “here and now”. We should follow Buddha’s footsteps and bring universal liberations to all. We should be the savior for all and none, for it- emptiness- is the core essence of Diamond Sutra.
The famous concluding Gatha of the Diamond Sutra best expresses the essence of its teaching. It is as follows:
“All Conditioned Dharmas
Are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, shadows,
Like dewdrops and lightening flashes.
We have to contemplate them thus. ”
To know more about 《Diamond Sutra》, join us on March 25, 2007 at 10:30am ~12:00pm. Lecture by Mr. James Chao on “Practice on Diamond Sutra”.