Explanation of the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch

Author: Xu Huafang speaking
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: The Sixth Patriarch Huineng attained enlightenment by understanding the true nature of mind and realizing the inherent wisdom. The scriptures he spoke were revealed by the brilliance of wisdom—this is a scripture spoken by true wisdom! How did the Sixth Patriarch Huineng attain enlightenment? Upon hearing the Heart Sutra's teaching of "generate a mind without attachment," he suddenly realized enlightenment. What does "without attachment" mean? It means not being attached to emotions and desires; cutting desires and love is the way to liberation from suffering.
"The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch," is the name of this scripture. "The Sixth Patriarch's Dharma Platform" is an alternative name for this scripture. This single character is the general title for scriptures. The scriptures spoken by the Buddha are categorized into seven types of titles; all scriptures spoken by the Buddha cannot deviate from these seven naming conventions. These seven general titles are "Single Three, Compound Three, and Complete One." Single Three refers to a single person, a single dharma, and a single analogy; Compound Three refers to a combination of person and dharma, person and analogy, and dharma and analogy—this is repetitive, hence called Compound Three; Complete One refers to the inclusion of person, dharma, and analogy.