Three Teachings and Nine Classics Series Zen Enlightenment and the Complete Awakening Sutra

Author: Li Angang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: "The Great Vehicle of Perfect Wisdom," also known as the "Perfection of Wisdom Sutra," meaning the scripture of complete enlightenment. The wisdom of Buddhism lies in the complete awareness, complete practice, and complete wisdom. Buddhist teachings are all contained within the scriptures of the Buddha's teachings, namely the twelve divisions of the teachings. And this "Perfection of Wisdom Sutra" is the eye and core of all these twelve divisions of the teachings. The purpose of the "Perfection of Wisdom Sutra" is very clear—it emphasizes not only self-enlightenment and enlightening others but also the perfection of both practice and wisdom. At the beginning, it is established as the highest vehicle of Buddhism, yet it accommodates both sudden and gradual approaches, integrates concentration and wisdom, and cultivates both blessings and wisdom, directly leading to completeness. Therefore, this scripture is complete in its merits and benefits all beings. The entire scripture is divided into three parts: the preface, the main body, and the circulation. The preface is the "Preface Chapter," which explains the reasons for the Buddha's preaching of this scripture. The circulation part discusses the dissemination and merits of practicing this scripture, as well as the protection of the Dharma guardians, the Four Heavenly Kings, and the Eight Great Beings. The main part consists of the Buddha's dialogues with the twelve great Bodhisattvas, including Manjushri, on the of the perfection of wisdom.