The Buddha then states in the original text, “In the attainment of unsurpassed, complete equal and complete awareness, there is neither real nor illusion.” Why does the Buddha say this? Because the attainment of unsurpassed, complete equal and complete awareness has detached from all forms — there is no self, no person, no sentient beings, … Read more
At the outset of the sutra, Subhūti inquires about how one should dwell calmly the mind after initially making the aspiration for practicing. This is also a common concern for beginners on the path and verify in the Dharma: how can one achieve Buddhahood when the mind is disturbed and restless, unable to settle peacefully on … Read more
Segment 17. the Ultimate Non-Self At that time, Subhūti asked the Buddha, “World-Honoured One, how should a good man or good woman who has made the aspiration for Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (unsurpassed, complete equal and complete awareness) dwell their mind calmly? How should they subdue their mind?” The Buddha replied, “Good man or good woman, one who has … Read more
To strengthen the disciples’ trust and memory, and to help them realize the truth of his words, the Buddha continues with solemnity: “The Tathāgata is the true speaker, the fact speaker, the one who speaks in accordance with reality, who does not deceive, and who does not speak falsely.” This serves as a reassurance to those … Read more
The Tathāgata then said: “Sūraputra, the first pāramitā talked by Tathagata is not truly the first pāramitā; it is merely called the first pāramitā. The pāramitā of patience talked by Tathagata is not truly the pāramitā of patience; it is merely called the pāramitā of patience.” The Buddha says this to prevent his disciples from … Read more
Segment 14. the Emptiness of Forms and the Cessation / Segment 15. the Merit of Upholding the Sutra / Segment 16. the Ability to Purify Karmic Obstacles At this point, Subhūti, upon hearing the sutra, profoundly grasped its meaning. He shed tears, sobbed sorrowfully and addressed the Buddha, saying: “How extraordinary, World-Honored One! The Buddha has expounded such profound sutra, which I have … Read more
Segment 13 / The Proper Way to accept and practice the Dharma At that time, Subhūti askes the Buddha, “World-Honoured One, what should this Sutra be named, and how should we properly practice it?” The Buddha replies, “This Sutra should be named the Vajra PrajnaParamita. It is by this name that you should accept and practice it. Why? Subhūti, what the Prajna Paramita Buddha speaks of, it is actually not Prajna Paramita but is merely called so. Subhūti, do you … Read more
Jizu Mountain and Conclusion This March I completed the last of China’s great Buddhist sacred sites — Jizu Mountain in Yunnan. The five of us first stayed at a small monastery at the foot of the mountain called Guangfang Temple, and the next day set out for the Huashou Gate. The road was quite rugged. … Read more
Solitary Retreat (2of2) — The Transformation of Body and Mind After returning from Tibet, the physiological transformation in my body became more intense. The most painful was the opening and transformation of the energy channel in the throat. I was confined to bed, my whole body devoid of strength. I could not speak, could not … Read more
Solitary Retreat (1of2) — Prostrations in the Snow and the Himalayan Practitioners After completing the four great Buddhist sacred sites, I had roughly another two or more years of practice at home and medical work. Occasionally I would go to Mount Wutai for a brief retreat. During these retreats I sometimes ate nothing at all, … Read more