Review: "An Explanation of Diamond Sutta" by JANNA
This book offers a clear and insightful explanation of the Diamond Sutta, one of the most profound texts in Mahayana Buddhism. It focuses on making complex ideas more accessible, especially the following:
The key concepts of non-self, formlessness, and non-abiding, and their strong connection to ethical living.
- The origins, history, and significance of the Diamond Sutta within the Prajna Sutra system, highlighting the central role of Elder Subhuti.
- Clarifying that emptiness does not mean nothingness, but a way of seeing without attachment or discrimination. Non-abiding leads practitioners to act with compassion, humility, and detachment.
- Several vivid stories, such as the famous meeting between Emperor Wu of Liang and Patriarch Bodhidharma, are used to illustrate the meaning behind the statement “no merit.”
- A breakdown of three core themes introduced in the first chapter:
1.The commitment to attaining enlightenment
2.The essential doctrine for practice
3.The method for focusing the mind
The book emphasizes that true practice is not about lofty philosophy, but practical application—doing good for others, cultivating morality, and creating merit.
This work is highly recommended for readers who want to understand the Diamond Sutta deeply without getting lost in difficult classical language. It serves as both a practical guide and a philosophical reflection, suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
Would you like me to summarize each chapter into key points as well?