Nan Huaijin Selected Works (Volume 7) How to Practice and Verify Buddhism · The World-Saving Perspective of the Lotus Sutra · Basic Beliefs of Buddhist Practitioners

Author: Nan Huaijin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-09-17
Features: Buddhism refers to "Sila" (precepts), "Samadhi" (meditation), and "Prajna" (wisdom) as the "Threefold Learning," believing that all practices are encompassed within these and should be diligently cultivated. Among these, Sila and Samadhi pertain to practical cultivation, while Prajna pertains to doctrinal contemplation. The renowned scholar, Mr. Nan Huaijin, once delivered a series of lectures in Taipei on the theme of "How to Practice and Attain Buddhist Enlightenment," totaling twenty-eight sessions. The content of these lectures, after being recorded and organized, formed the basis of this book (originally titled The Integrated Path of Practice and Enlightenment in Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism). The book focuses on "Jnana" (view), "Sadhana" (practice), and "Karuna" (compassionate action), drawing upon Buddhist scriptures such as the Lankavatara Sutra, Lotus Sutra, Ekottara Agama, Sukhodaya Sutra, Avatamsaka Sutra, Yogacara-bhumi-?āstra, Abhisamya-āla?kāra, Zongjing Lu, Zhimo Lu, The Comprehensive Treatise on the Path of Esoteric Buddhism, and The Comprehensive Treatise on the Path to Enlightenment to provide a concise and clear exposition of Buddhist practices. It includes key points and illustrative examples. Since its publication, it has not only garnered widespread attention in both mainland China and Taiwan but has also been translated into English and disseminated in Western countries. With the authorization of the author and the original publisher, Taiwan Lao Gu Cultural Enterprise Company, this revised edition (based on the second printing of the first edition, dated January 1, 2001) has been published for research purposes.
The Sariputra Sutra is an important scripture revered by both the (exoteric) and (esoteric) branches of Chinese Buddhism and has had a broad influence throughout Buddhist history. There are three translations of this scripture: the Sutra on the Great Vows of the Medicine Buddha translated by Darmagupta in the Sui Dynasty, the Sutra on the Merits and Vows of the Lapis Lazuli Light Medicine Buddha translated by Xuanzang in the Tang Dynasty, and the Sutra on the Great Merits and Vows of the Seven Buddhas translated by Yijing in the Tang Dynasty. The Sariputra Sutra commonly referred to refers to Xuanzang's translation. The scripture primarily discusses the "Twelve Great Vows" of the Medicine Buddha for the benefit of all sentient beings. This book is a lecture record by the renowned scholar, Mr. Nan Huaijin, on the Sariputra Sutra. The author connects personal experiences and worldly phenomena to provide an in-depth and nuanced explanation of the Buddhist tradition of serving and benefiting humanity. With the authorization of the author and the original publisher, Taiwan Lao Gu Cultural Enterprise Company, this revised edition (2001 edition) has been published for research purposes.
The Prajna-paramita Hūraya?a (commonly known as the Universal Gateway of Great Compassion) is the full title of the Mahāvaipulya Buddhāvata?saka Sūtra: The Gate to Inconceivable Liberation and the Universal Gateway of Great Compassion. Originally the last chapter of the Hūraya?a Sūtra translated by Pāramitā in the Tang Dynasty, it quickly became a standalone scripture and was widely disseminated due to its "superior literary and philosophical depth" and its "close relevance to daily life" (as noted by Zhixu in the Ming Dynasty). The scripture primarily elaborates on the "Ten Great Vows" of the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra. The Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra, recited daily in Buddhist temples, originates from this scripture. This book is a lecture record by the renowned scholar, Mr. Nan Huaijin, on the Prajna-paramita Hūraya?a (originally titled The Fundamental Beliefs of a Buddhist Practitioner: A Lecture Record on the Prajna-paramita Hūraya?a). The author explains the essence and main ideas of the scripture in a colloquial manner, offering fresh insights into its verses, which are often difficult for the general audience to understand, and includes various materials related to "Sadhana and Karuna" (practice and compassionate vows). The phrase "fundamental beliefs" in the title refers to "Sadhana and Karuna." With the authorization of the author and the original publisher, Taiwan Lao Gu Cultural Enterprise Company, this revised edition (2001 edition) has been published for research purposes.