Quick Read of the Biographies of Eminent Monks: Stories within the Robe

Author: Xiong Wan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: The books selected here are ones you will inevitably read at some point in your lifetime, whether you are ten, thirty, or seventy years old! A minimalist reading list of Chinese culture. From the vast collection of ancient classics, sixty classics have been chosen for the first time to be presented in an accessible and engaging format, fully showcasing the style and essence of Chinese culture over five thousand years. A renowned authority on Chinese classics in Taiwan revisits the classics with a 21st-century perspective, traversing time and space, guiding you into the "unfenced museum of Chinese culture."
"The Lives of Eminent Monks" is a collection of biographies of highly accomplished monks. From these legendary tales, we can see that a great monk possesses extraordinary wisdom and cultivation. Their achievements stem from fulfilling their duties to humanity and striving to uphold human values. They achieve transcendent enlightenment by grounding themselves in the "worldly emotions" and then transcending them to attain the sacred fruit of sainthood. The reason they are revered is not because of their legends themselves, but because of their indomitable spirit and unwavering belief in practicing the Dharma to the point of forgetting themselves. Thus, they can proceed steadily, progressing from learning the basics to reaching higher levels. Only by possessing the cultivation of "enduring what is unbearable and accomplishing what is unfeasible" can they give birth to monks who achieve the seemingly impossible. They practice transcendent cultivation while engaging in worldly endeavors—six perfections and myriad practices. Only in this way can they carry the great Dharma, with a heavy burden and a long journey. In the realm of thought, they enlighten the human mind and guide human conscience. Therefore, their contributions to the world are profoundly meaningful.
In summary, this book not only contains a high level of interest but also embodies the lofty educational spirit and philosophical cultivation of traditional Chinese culture. Following the principle of "teaching through entertainment," readers will feel close to the content while gaining profound insights. This is the modest intention of the author!