"Diamond Sutra" in the context of ancient Indian literature

The word "sutra" in Sanskrit literally means "thread". Such a work can be an aphorism, a rule, a formula or a collection, which is combined together with the help of a certain thought or theme. In the broad sense, the sutra is the text in Buddhism or Hinduism. The well-known definition of the sutra from Indian literature describes it as a capacious, integral, exhaustive and informative work with a clearly expressed thought, the understanding of which leads to perfect knowledge.

Throughout the centuries, sutras were transmitted only verbally, from teacher to student, and only after a long time were recorded on palm leaves, and later released in books. The known sutras refer primarily to the scientific and philosophical treatises of Hinduism, such as Patanjali's "Yoga Sutras" - the basic text of classical yoga, which became popular in the Western world a few decades ago. A large number of such texts are canonical for Buddhism. Traditionally it is believed that these are the words of the founder of this religion or his closest disciples. Because of the lack of unity between the numerous schools of this teaching, not all the sutras of the Buddha are unanimously recognized as original works conveying the words of the Enlightened One himself.

ABOUT Particular attention deserves the "Vajrachchhedika Prajnaparamita," which plays a crucial role in such a well-known area of Buddhism as the Mahayana. Known as the Diamond Sutra, it is also considered the world's first printed book. This monument of woodcuts was created by the Chinese master Wang Chi and is an ancient scroll, dated 868 year.

"Diamond Sutra"

It is believed that the Vajraccheedika Prajnaparamita was composed in the first century of our era. It was early enough found in Asian countries where Mahayana Buddhism was practiced. It is included in other Prajnaparamita sutras. Its full name can be translated as "Perfect wisdom, capable of splitting even a diamond" or "Dissecting diamonds perfection of wisdom."

The relatively long sutra is divided into 32 chapters, and its recitation takes about 45 minutes. The "Diamond Sutra" is a dialogue based on the questions of an experienced disciple named Subhuti and the answers of the Buddha himself. It is noteworthy that in this conversation the beneficial effect of the work and the perception of it by future generations are mentioned.

Content

Like many canonical texts of Buddhism, the Diamond Sutra begins with the words: "So I heard." The Enlightened One, who completed his daily trekking with the monks, rests in the grove of Jet, while the elder of Subhuti appears and asks him a question. Thus begins a dialogue on the nature of perception, where the Buddha basically tries to help the questioner get rid of prejudices and limited ideas about the essence of insight. Emphasizing that forms, thoughts and concepts are ultimately illusory, he teaches that, thanks to theoretical constructs, it is impossible to achieve a true awakening, and therefore they must eventually be discarded. During the sermon the Buddha repeats that even the assimilation of one quatrain from this teaching is an unequaled merit and can lead to enlightenment.