The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch ()

Author: Cai Zhizhong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch is the crystallization of Huineng's thoughts, with the Prajna philosophy as its core and the principle of "seeing the mind, realizing the nature, and attaining enlightenment instantly" as its purpose. "Prajna" is a Sanskrit term meaning "wisdom." Prajna itself has no form, but the mind of wisdom is its form. All wisdom of Prajna comes from the original Buddha-nature within people. Huineng believed that everyone has Buddha-nature, but people differ in intelligence and dullness due to their varying levels of enlightenment. As long as one breaks free from the dust and delusions in their mind, they can attain the wisdom of Buddhism and achieve enlightenment instantly. The principle of breaking free from inner delusions is to have no preconceived notions, not be attached, and not be influenced by worldly phenomena that give rise to delusions. This means transcending worldly phenomena, so the mind will not be stained by worldly troubles and dust. This is called "wu nie" (non-attachment). The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch establishes "wu nie" as its core.