Describing the Indescribable

By Hsing Yun

The Diamond Sutra is revered throughout Asia as one of the Buddha's most profound expressions of the nature of reality. A gem among the vast Perfection of Wisdom literature, the Diamond Sutra elicits an experience of eternal truth through its use of a seemingly paradoxical style, as the reader goes back and forth between "what is" and "what is not." Master Hsing Yun skillfully plumbs the depths of the Diamond Sutra, illuminating for us its power to change who we are and how we interpret our world.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0861711866
• ISBN13: 9780861711864
• Release Date: February 2001
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Insightful Commentary

This is a really indispensable companion for anyone who is familiar with and has read a translation of The Diamond Sutra. Master Hsing Yun expresses his own wealth of compassion by offering us this amazingly insightful book. The author tells us that in order to uphold the truths within the Diamond Cutter, we must practice generosity. In fact he has an entire chapter in this work covering that subject alone. He argues that the Diamond Sutra teaches us how to purify our intentions as we find perfect clarity of consciousness. By reciting even a few verses of this wonderful sutra, as the Buddha even says all throughout the Diamond Cutter, we lead others by our EXAMPLE to the Buddha's Dharma. The Buddha often says in the Diamond sutra that leading others to the path of the Buddha is actually one of the highest forms of compassion and generosity one can offer. In essence, to be fully understood, the Diamond Sutra must as a requisite be shared with others. When our intentions are pure, we see others as they really are. Otherwise we see some muddled reflection of how our mind is feeling while defiled. It's true, too. Think of how when you are grumpy, others are a bother to you. "Go away," you say to yourself under muttered whispers. But our whole lives are dependant on others. If it wasn't for other people's love and kindness, I would have not only died as an infant but would never even have been born. Hsing Yun masterfully weaves the heart of The Diamond Sutra into this very central theme. That of giving to other sentient beings in every capacity we are capable of carrying out with our entire being. Order this book, it's a Wisdom publication - so you know you cannot go wrong.

Clarity and Wisdom

The Diamond Sutra is one of the most revered sacred texts in the Buddhist canon. Master Hsing Yun hasgiven western readers a gift beyond measure. His translation is poetic, yet clear. Beautiful in form, the reader is transported back to the Jeta Groveto receive the teaching. The accompanying commentary is wonderful. Context for the Diamond Sutra is provided through examples fromother Sutras and Buddhist teachers. The format of the book lends itself to introspection. I found myself reading a chapter, then the commentary, followed by a brief period of contemplation. This method helped me to understandthe content in a more meaningful way. Master Hsing Yun and the translators, have given us profound teachings, presented in a clear and understandable form. They are to be congratulated, and we are grateful for their contribution to Buddhism.