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The Diamond Sutra and the Sutra of Hui-neng
Two classic Zen Buddhist texts that present the foundational teachings of the tradition—now collected in one volume for the modern practitioner
The Diamond Sutra , composed in India in the fourth century CE, is one of the most treasured works of Buddhist literature and is the oldest existing printed book in the world. It is known as the Diamond Sutra because its teachings are said to be like diamonds that cut away all dualistic thought, releasing one from the attachment to objects and bringing one to the further shore of enlightenment. The format of this important sutra is presented as a conversation between the Buddha and one of his disciples.
The Sutra of Hui-neng , also known as the Platform Sutra , contains the autobiography of a pivotal figure in Zen history and some of the most profound passages of Zen literature. Hui-neng (638–713) was the sixth patriarch of Zen in China but is often regarded as the true father of the Zen tradition. He was a poor, illiterate woodcutter who is said to have attained enlightenment upon hearing a recitation of the Diamond Sutra . Together, these two scriptures present the central teaching of the Zen Buddhist tradition and are essential reading for all students of Buddhism.
The Diamond Sutra , composed in India in the fourth century CE, is one of the most treasured works of Buddhist literature and is the oldest existing printed book in the world. It is known as the Diamond Sutra because its teachings are said to be like diamonds that cut away all dualistic thought, releasing one from the attachment to objects and bringing one to the further shore of enlightenment. The format of this important sutra is presented as a conversation between the Buddha and one of his disciples.
The Sutra of Hui-neng , also known as the Platform Sutra , contains the autobiography of a pivotal figure in Zen history and some of the most profound passages of Zen literature. Hui-neng (638–713) was the sixth patriarch of Zen in China but is often regarded as the true father of the Zen tradition. He was a poor, illiterate woodcutter who is said to have attained enlightenment upon hearing a recitation of the Diamond Sutra . Together, these two scriptures present the central teaching of the Zen Buddhist tradition and are essential reading for all students of Buddhism.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1969
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About the author
Hui-Neng
4 books20 followersDajian Huineng (大鑒惠能; Pinyin: Dàjiàn Huìnéng; Japanese: Daikan Enō; Korean: Hyeneung, 638–713) was a Chinese Chán (Zen) monastic who is one of the most important figures in the entire tradition, according to standard Zen hagiographies. Huineng has been traditionally viewed as the Sixth and Last Patriarch of Chán Buddhism.
-Wikipedia
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 8, 2008
Okay - here I go again - as a Christian I'm probably not supposed to recommend Buddhist books, but if you’re going to read them Hui Neng’s the cream of the crop. I’d rank it right next to Bodhidharma at the top of my Buddhist books list. And the Diamond Sutra’s probably my favorite of the canonical Indian sutras, but the Chinese deemphasized the speculative and made Buddhism wacky fun (not to detract from Hui Neng’s substance and penetration). Down in the village getting drunk with the butchers. If you see the Buddha on the road, kill him. This must be where Kerouac got a lot of his inspiration, but unlike Jack Hui Neng could hold his liquor.
January 22, 2023
I started reading this because of my Global Works and Society professor assigned it for our first reading this upcoming Monday. But then I decided to change my schedule last minute, so I ended up transferring out of this teacher's class to a different one (because this professor seemed very intimidating based on online reviews). I still continued reading it even after it no longer was a requirement for me. Last semester I read a few Buddhist and eastern philosophical texts, like Turning the Wheel of Truth, and I always found such discourse to be so interesting, particularly the idea that the self and everything is merely an illusion.
I would say this is a strong foundational text of Buddhism. It was quite repetitive at certain parts and even a bit confusing, mainly because there are a lot of contradictions/paradoxes that made my head spin. However, the principal theme of impermanence is clear. Perfect enlightenment cannot be attained if one remains adhered to internal qualities or preconceived notions of the self. To see the true reality, their mind must be independent from any thoughts that arise from it. The Diamond Sutra explores the relationship of language to how things really are—how even though things are designated and conceptualized to specific words/names, those words/names stand in the way of the reality of those things. I hope I interpreted this correctly. Anyway, I enjoyed reading this Buddhist ontology because it's very insightful. Honestly, writing this review made me start to dissociate because thinking deeply about what is real and what is not real is a bit scary.
* I only read The Diamond Sutra, not The Sutra of Hui-Neng.
I would say this is a strong foundational text of Buddhism. It was quite repetitive at certain parts and even a bit confusing, mainly because there are a lot of contradictions/paradoxes that made my head spin. However, the principal theme of impermanence is clear. Perfect enlightenment cannot be attained if one remains adhered to internal qualities or preconceived notions of the self. To see the true reality, their mind must be independent from any thoughts that arise from it. The Diamond Sutra explores the relationship of language to how things really are—how even though things are designated and conceptualized to specific words/names, those words/names stand in the way of the reality of those things. I hope I interpreted this correctly. Anyway, I enjoyed reading this Buddhist ontology because it's very insightful. Honestly, writing this review made me start to dissociate because thinking deeply about what is real and what is not real is a bit scary.
* I only read The Diamond Sutra, not The Sutra of Hui-Neng.
July 15, 2014
These two texts are foundational texts for Buddhism. While there are many difficult passages for Western readers, the texts are remarkably clear and direct. This particular translation and the accompanying endnotes are very high quality. A necessary read for anyone with interest in Buddhism.
February 22, 2013
I actually have no idea how to rate a book like this. I can't give it five because I didn't actually like it that much, but I have to give it five because it's a cornerstone of eastern philosophy and as such transcends rating. So I'm screwed. Luckily, in eastern philosophy, A and not A is not a contradiction.
December 29, 2024
It feels wrong to sit here and rate a religious text- however, the Diamond Sutra isn’t my favorite of the Buddhist texts.
The author has very strong opinions in doctrine, however they are also a reinforcer of the caste system while also reinforcing the idea that there is no inherent difference between sentient beings. I found it a bit contradictory so I’ll probably read the Heart Sutra next.
The author has very strong opinions in doctrine, however they are also a reinforcer of the caste system while also reinforcing the idea that there is no inherent difference between sentient beings. I found it a bit contradictory so I’ll probably read the Heart Sutra next.
May 5, 2024
After spending many years reading various books on Eastern thought, “The Diamond Sutra and The Sutra of Hui-Neng” gave my mind Peace.
This collection of Zen literature is highly recommended for anyone interested in Eastern thought.
Be well and stay safe.
🙏
This collection of Zen literature is highly recommended for anyone interested in Eastern thought.
Be well and stay safe.
🙏
November 21, 2018
“Words cannot express truth; that which words express is not truth.”
“Wheresoever are material characteristics there is delusion; but who so perceives that all characteristics are in fact no characteristics, perceives the Tathagata.”
“So you should not be attached to things as being possessed of, or devoid of, intrinsic qualities.”
“Does a man who has safely crossed a flood upon a raft
continue his journey carrying that raft upon his head?”
“Because the Tathagata has said that truth is uncontainable and inexpressible. It neither is nor is it not. Thus it is that this unformulated Principle is the foundation of the different systems of all the sages.”
“There is no stream-entering. The disciple who pays no regard to form, sound, odor, taste, touch, or any quality, is called a Stream-entrant.”
“All Bodhisattvas, lesser and great, should develop a pure, lucid mind, not depending upon sound, flavor, touch, odor, or any quality. A Bodhisattva should develop a mind which alights upon no thing whatsoever; and so should he establish it.”
“Consequently those who have left behind every phenomenal distinction are called Buddhas all.”
“Equally incalculable is the merit of the
Bodhisattva who practices charity without any attachment to appearances.”
“The Tathagata is He who declares that which is true; He who declares that which is fundamental; He who declares that which is ultimate. He does not declare that which is deceitful, nor that which is monstrous. Subhuti, that Truth to which the Tathagata has attained is neither real nor unreal.”
“The Tathagata teaches that all these are not Mind; they are merely called "mind".
Subhuti, it is impossible to retain past mind, impossible to hold on to present mind, and impossible to grasp future mind.”
“Tathagata teaches that a perfectly-formed body is not really such; it is merely called "a perfectly-formed body."
“The Tathagata may not be perceived by any phenomenal characteristic, because the Tathagata teaches that phenomenal characteristics are not really such; they are merely termed ‘phenomenal characteristics.’”
“Subhuti, if a good man or a good woman ground an infinite number of galaxies of worlds to dust, would the resulting minute particles be many?
Subhuti replied: Many indeed, World-honored One! Wherefore? Because if such were really minute particles Buddha would not have spoken of them as minute particles. For as to this, Buddha has declared that they are not really such. "Minute particles" is just the name given to them. Also, World-honored One, when the Tathagata speaks of galaxies of worlds, these are not worlds; for if reality could be predicated of a world it would be a self-existent cosmos and the Tathagata teaches that there is really no such thing. "Cosmos" is merely a figure of speech.
[Then Buddha said]: Subhuti, words cannot explain the real nature of a cosmos.
Only common people fettered with desire make use of this arbitrary method.”
“Wheresoever are material characteristics there is delusion; but who so perceives that all characteristics are in fact no characteristics, perceives the Tathagata.”
“So you should not be attached to things as being possessed of, or devoid of, intrinsic qualities.”
“Does a man who has safely crossed a flood upon a raft
continue his journey carrying that raft upon his head?”
“Because the Tathagata has said that truth is uncontainable and inexpressible. It neither is nor is it not. Thus it is that this unformulated Principle is the foundation of the different systems of all the sages.”
“There is no stream-entering. The disciple who pays no regard to form, sound, odor, taste, touch, or any quality, is called a Stream-entrant.”
“All Bodhisattvas, lesser and great, should develop a pure, lucid mind, not depending upon sound, flavor, touch, odor, or any quality. A Bodhisattva should develop a mind which alights upon no thing whatsoever; and so should he establish it.”
“Consequently those who have left behind every phenomenal distinction are called Buddhas all.”
“Equally incalculable is the merit of the
Bodhisattva who practices charity without any attachment to appearances.”
“The Tathagata is He who declares that which is true; He who declares that which is fundamental; He who declares that which is ultimate. He does not declare that which is deceitful, nor that which is monstrous. Subhuti, that Truth to which the Tathagata has attained is neither real nor unreal.”
“The Tathagata teaches that all these are not Mind; they are merely called "mind".
Subhuti, it is impossible to retain past mind, impossible to hold on to present mind, and impossible to grasp future mind.”
“Tathagata teaches that a perfectly-formed body is not really such; it is merely called "a perfectly-formed body."
“The Tathagata may not be perceived by any phenomenal characteristic, because the Tathagata teaches that phenomenal characteristics are not really such; they are merely termed ‘phenomenal characteristics.’”
“Subhuti, if a good man or a good woman ground an infinite number of galaxies of worlds to dust, would the resulting minute particles be many?
Subhuti replied: Many indeed, World-honored One! Wherefore? Because if such were really minute particles Buddha would not have spoken of them as minute particles. For as to this, Buddha has declared that they are not really such. "Minute particles" is just the name given to them. Also, World-honored One, when the Tathagata speaks of galaxies of worlds, these are not worlds; for if reality could be predicated of a world it would be a self-existent cosmos and the Tathagata teaches that there is really no such thing. "Cosmos" is merely a figure of speech.
[Then Buddha said]: Subhuti, words cannot explain the real nature of a cosmos.
Only common people fettered with desire make use of this arbitrary method.”
March 14, 2018
Perhaps it would be a little on the nose to call this work "enlightening", but the Diamond Sutra can serve to make clear several difficult Buddhist teachings. Religious texts can be used in teaching for a variety of purposes, but the most pressing is understanding student contexts. Being familiar with a student's faith can really help to build a relationship with that student.
January 25, 2020
This took me a while to break into, but it was so worth it. Hui-Neng was an illiterate woodcarver who suddenly became enlightened upon hearing someone reciting the Diamond Sutra on a streetcorner, thus the two books are often published together.
The Diamond Sutra rings like the clearest bell (so beautiful!), but the Sutra of Hui-Neng is ironically difficult, considering his sudden enlightenment. The book is both biography and record of his sermons/lectures/discussions with his students. They ask difficult questions about the nature of birth and death, enlightenment, and existence, and Hui-Neng is not shy about getting deep or technical. The subjects they cover involve subtle distinctions, and suggestions and commands that may seem impossible to execute, at least for the newcomer to Buddhist thought.
It was breathtaking. I sat for a long while after I finished it, with the book still in my hands, reflecting on his lessons. His passing was so beautiful that I cried with joy. He would have admonished me for that: the body is not the eternal.
The Diamond Sutra rings like the clearest bell (so beautiful!), but the Sutra of Hui-Neng is ironically difficult, considering his sudden enlightenment. The book is both biography and record of his sermons/lectures/discussions with his students. They ask difficult questions about the nature of birth and death, enlightenment, and existence, and Hui-Neng is not shy about getting deep or technical. The subjects they cover involve subtle distinctions, and suggestions and commands that may seem impossible to execute, at least for the newcomer to Buddhist thought.
It was breathtaking. I sat for a long while after I finished it, with the book still in my hands, reflecting on his lessons. His passing was so beautiful that I cried with joy. He would have admonished me for that: the body is not the eternal.
October 23, 2020
Two more essential classics of the Buddhist tradition that bridge its transition between India and China. It's said that when he was young, Hui-Neng overheard a monk reciting the Diamond Sutra and understood it instantly, granting him enlightenment in a flash like lighting. He went on to become a monk and later grand master of the monastery. He's now remembered as the sixth patriarch of Zen and his own Platform Sutra shaped Buddhism for centuries after his advent. A fascinating and eye-opening read!
August 3, 2013
Absolutely amazing
May 26, 2021
The Platform Sutra of Hui-Neng was particularly validating and illuminating. I had been in a period of great doubt regarding the nature of my own essence of mind and whether or not it aligned with Buddhist orthodoxy. Now the doubt has been replaced with a sort of resignation. Non-attainment is difficult, especially regarding ritual and obeisance. I understand now the intent of those performances, though I wonder if liberation can arise from outdated conditioning, or whether it may be time again to strip down the teaching to further essential components.
What will Buddhism look like in the year 3021?
What will Buddhism look like in the year 3021?
June 16, 2024
"As a lamp, a cataract, a star in space / an illusion, a dewdrop, a bubble / a dream, a cloud, a flash of lightening / view all created things like this." Still remember getting this book from the temple next to my place when I was a child, and this is my favorite verse. It felt like something far away and doesn't belong to this current life. It transcends the boundary between dream and reality. Only the tragedy is eternal. When I was wandering in an ancient garden in Nanjing, I sat there and remembered of this line: i am just a drifting leaf in this fleeting world.
January 21, 2022
The Diamond Sutra is really what your here for. The notes help give context to the writing.
The sutra of Hui-Neng was not something I felt compelled to read in it's entirety. It feels like a very different and more strict school of Buddhism. It's author has very strong opinions in doctrine yet reinforces ideas of caste while at the same time insisting there is no difference between sentient beings. Overall it's not something I would be able to use or appreciate.
The sutra of Hui-Neng was not something I felt compelled to read in it's entirety. It feels like a very different and more strict school of Buddhism. It's author has very strong opinions in doctrine yet reinforces ideas of caste while at the same time insisting there is no difference between sentient beings. Overall it's not something I would be able to use or appreciate.
December 27, 2024
This is obviously not meant to be learnt or studied outside of other study of Buddhist philosophies, so my understanding is incredibly superficial. Essentially these things exist only as a way of understanding, and in reality nothing exists, possibly even reality itself. I felt sorry for the man questioning the Buddha, he seemed to be a combination of a huge teachers' pet and also the dumbest kid in class.
June 25, 2024
"At that time, I had no notions of a self, a person, a sentient being, or a life span. Why not? If I had held to the notions of a self, a person, a sentient being, or a life span, when my body was dismembered limb after limb, I would have given rise to feelings of resentment and hatred."
WOW
WOW
November 2, 2017
If you are a student of Zen, this is THE book. The Platform Sutra is essentially Hui-Neng's commentary on the Vajracchedika (Diamond) Sutra. These two books together are indispensable. If there is one book to read, it is this one. Hui-Neng's teachings are gold.
May 10, 2019
An excellent classic of Mahayana Buddhism, wonderful to those interested in looking into the origins of Zen. A difficult place to start one's exploration of Buddhism but an excellent book nonetheless.
July 17, 2019
Seminal to an understanding of Buddhism. Preferable to the Tibetan treatises also featured on this list that imho show a good deal of distortion due to the infiltration of local traditions and deities.
March 15, 2022
Publisher Shambhala (have loved them since the late 90s!) used older, early to mid 20th century translations. Bit more stilted than I would have liked but still incredible. source material and copious notes will pay off when I re-read at some point.
October 28, 2022
Really enjoyed how the Platform Sutra is presented here, and the text itself is a profound experience!
I think I'll try reading the Diamond Sutra somewhere else, though. Neither the translation nor the annotations resonated with me.
I think I'll try reading the Diamond Sutra somewhere else, though. Neither the translation nor the annotations resonated with me.
October 4, 2017
Heavy read. I learned a lot but much of this went over my head. I look forward to reading this again in the future when I have more knowledge on the topic.
May 12, 2018
I’m positive that several parts of this went over my head haha. A hard text but I enjoyed it.
May 19, 2018
That cover painting of Hui-Neng tearing up a sutra really says it all, even if on his deathbed he advised not going out of your way to dishonor them.
April 24, 2019
Though it’s not a part of this book, this quote sums it all up: “Countless words count less than the silent balance between yin and yang.”
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August 9, 2019 chia sẻ kiến thức phật giáo
October 4, 2021
Intuitions and direct reflections without liberal trainings.
March 4, 2022
Bài giảng nghĩa chi tiết nhất về Kinh Kim Cương mà mình đọc được. Con xin kính lạy tổ sư Huệ Năng. A Di Đà Phật.
August 31, 2022
This is one of those texts I think I will read over every few months. Impactful, informative, beautiful.
April 2, 2023
Not recommended for beginners or introductory level Buddhist scholars, highly convoluted philosophical and moral treatise designed to explore non-existence, non-attachment and interdependence
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews