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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. 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 format of this important sutra is presented as a conversation between the Buddha and one of his disciples. The Sutra of Hui-neng, also known as the Platform Sutra, contains the autobiography of a pivotal figure in Zen history and some of the most profound passages of Zen literature. Hui-neng (638–713) was the sixth patriarch of Zen in China, but is often regarded as the true father of the Zen tradition. He was a poor, illiterate woodcutter who is said to have attained enlightenment upon hearing a recitation of the Diamond Sutra. Together, these two scriptures present the central teaching of the Zen Buddhist tradition and are essential reading for all students of Buddhism.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I believe this was the original English translation (completed in the 1920's or 30's) of the Sutra of Hui-Neng, the 6th patriarch of Zen Buddhism. As such, it is a fine and sensitive effort and stands as a historical landmark in Zen's introduction to the West, but the translator was not a native English speaker, if I understand it correctly. To my taste at least, a better -- and more recent -- translation is that by Thomas Cleary.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book from the Zen tradition is the best meditation manual I have found for work on eradicating the illusion of self. I am happy to see it back in print. Modern science views the human body, mind, and persona as a dissipative system. See Capra, Fritjof. The Web of Life : A New Understanding of Living Systems. Anchor Books, 1997. The Diamond Sutra is the Buddha's eloquent instruction on this topic and this a simply wonderful translation.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An excellent publication. It was nice to have the two sutras together, although I had bought this book primarily for the Sutra of Hui-Neng. The translations are clear and the introductions help to give context to the texts. I had heard the biographical story of Hui-Neng, and had read parts of the Sutra before, but was keen to read it from beginning to end. I follow a Soto Zen tradition and have found this book to be invaluable. I recommend this book wholeheartedly to any reader.
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