The Sūtra of Perfect Enlightenment, livre ebook

A concise guide to the key practice systems of the East Asian Meditational schools Ch'an, Son, and Zen.

A concise guide to the key practice systems of the East Asian Meditational schools Ch'an, Son, and Zen.

The Sūtra of Perfect Enlightenment, used in monastic education for more than a millennium, is a concise guide to the key paradigms of the practice systems of the East Asian meditational schools (Ch'an, Sǒn, and Zen). Contained in its twelve chapters are definitive explanations of the meaning of innate and actualized enlightenment, sudden and gradual enlightenment, the true nature of ignorance and suffering, along with numerous examples of methods of contemplation that accord with and reflect the basic Ch'an views on enlightenment and practice. Although the Sutra was popular throughout the East Asian region, it attained its highest canonical status within the Korean Chogye school, where it is still a key text in the core curriculum of modern-day monks and nuns. The Sutra is translated here in full, along with the eloquent and revelatory commentary of the Chǒson monk Kihwa (1376–1433).

Preface

Abbreviations and Conventions

Introduction

What Is the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment?

Chinese Origins and Effects

The Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment in Korea Before Kihwa

Kihwa (Hamho Tukt'ong)

The SPE after Kihwa: The Choson Period

The Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment Today

Overview of the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment

Translation

Kihwa's Introduction

1. Mañjusri Bodhisattva

2. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

3. Universal Vision Bodhisattva

4. Vajragarbha Bodhisattva

5. Maitreya Bodhisattva

6. Pure Wisdom Bodhisattva

7. Power and Virtue Unhindered Bodhisattva

8. Voice of Discernment Bodhisattva

9. Purifier of All Karmic Hindrances Bodhisattva

10. Universal Enlightenment Bodhisattva

11. Perfect Enlightenment Bodhisattva

12. Most Excellent of Worthies Bodhisattva

Appendix: Kihwa's Revised Edition of the Sutra

Notes

Works Cited

Index