Bodhisattva's Great Wisdom Sutra

Author: Wei Jin Feng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-09-01
Features: One hundred fables, incisive and profound, cleansing and refreshing; the vast world, stained with myriad dust, gives rise to greed, obsession, folly, and vexation! Reading the classics of ancient times enlightens the wisdom of modern people; clearing the obstacles in our nature leads to perfection in life! The stories in the Hundred Parables Sutra are similar to certain Chinese literary works in that they originate from the oral literature of the ancient masses, drawing from folk tales blended together. Therefore, [excluding moral teachings, leaving only parables], it can be read as an independent literary work. The Hundred Parables Sutra contains ninety-eight stories, hence its name. The original single-volume edition of the Hundred Parables Sutra was rare in the vast Buddhist canon and thus not widely circulated. The Hundred Parables Sutra now available was printed in 1915 through the donation of Lu Maimai in carving the plates. From then on, it became a standalone scripture.
Like certain Chinese literary works, some parables in the Hundred Parables Sutra originate from the oral literature of the ancient masses, blending folk tales together. Therefore, [excluding moral teachings, leaving only parables], it can be read as an independent literary work. The Hundred Parables Sutra, originally a Buddhist scripture, evolved into a collection of literary parables and became a classic, widely circulated—this was the achievement of Mr. Lu Xun. The Hundred Parables Sutra was compiled by the Indian monk Sanghasena in the 5th century. The translator of this book was the Indian monk Gunapita, a disciple of Sanghasena, who came to China during the Southern Qi Dynasty (497–502 AD). The Chinese translation of the Hundred Parables of the Buddha, abbreviated as the Hundred Parables Sutra.
The Hundred Parables Sutra contains ninety-eight parables, primarily narrating humorous and amusing events, with sharp irony. It begins with jokes and then delivers moral lessons, embedding wisdom in humor. It is both entertaining and profound, simple yet profound, vivid and easy to understand, witty and enlightening.
Buddhism originated in India but later absorbed the vast wisdom of the Chinese nation, ultimately melting perfectly and organically into our indigenous culture. In this book, the parable "Complaining About a Father's Virtue" mirrors the Chinese idiom "Trying too hard leads to failure"; the parable "Fire and Water" conveys the same principle as the Chinese proverb "What is not possessed is always better." Many similar examples will make readers smile in appreciation. Despite its slim volume, it clearly reveals the universality of human nature and the extraordinary insight of the Buddha beyond ordinary people. Modern minds may have advanced, but today, human understanding has not yet reached the level of the scripture's authors. Ancient scriptures hold the same value for us today.
Instead of seeking transcendence in this impure world, we seek tranquility; instead of aspiring to be untainted, we seek peace and composure in this material world. When you are overwhelmed or confused on life's journey, consider picking up this book to experience profound truths, enabling you to face life with greater confidence.