The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti
The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti
Vimalakirti
Josh Waitzkin
Josh Waitzkin mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
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The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti

The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti: A Mahayana Scripture

Vimalakirti
By
Vimalakirti
4.1
489
ratings on Goodreads

In the heart of Mahāyāna Buddhism's spiritual literature blossoms "The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti," a scripture that transcends time and tradition, weaving profound philosophical insights with the threads of drama and wit. Vimalakirti, a layman enlightened beyond measure, serves as the unconventional hero in this sacred text, challenging and enlightening the ordained monks and bodhisattvas through parables and miraculous encounters. His teachings, a treasure trove of wisdom, draw back the veil on the nature of reality, emptiness, and the bodhisattva path with eloquence and unparalleled depth. This scripture, revered for its ability to blend the profound with the accessible, has captivated hearts and minds across Asia for centuries, influencing both the spiritual and the cultural landscape. Robert Thurman's translation breathes new life into this ancient text, offering the English-speaking world a window into the rich tapestry of Mahāyāna Buddhist thought as preserved in the Tibetan version of the sutra. Recognized for its fidelity to the original Sanskrit and its clarity of expression, Thurman's work makes "The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti" approachable without sacrificing the sutra's philosophical and psychological sophistication. Accompanied by an insightful introduction, epilogue, and comprehensive glossaries, this translation opens the door to a classic of Buddhist literature, inviting scholars, practitioners, and spiritual seekers alike to explore the teachings of Vimalakirti and find within them the jewels of Mahāyāna Buddhism.

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Released
0100
1 Jan
Length
176
Pages

1

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recommendation

Josh Waitzkin mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
Reverend Mahakasyapa, the Maras who play the devil in the innumerable universes of the ten directions are all Bodhisattvas dwelling in the inconcievable liberation, who are playing the devil in order to develop living beings through their skill in liberative technique. Reverend Mahakasyapa, all the miserable beggars who come to the Bodhisattvas of the innumerable universes of the ten directions to ask for a hand, a foot, an ear, a nose, some blood, muscles, bones, marrow, an eye, a torso, a head, a limb, a member, a throne, a kingdom, a country, a wife, a son, a daughter, s slave, a slave-girl, a horse, an elephent, a chariot, a cart, gold, silver, jewels, pearls, conches, crystal, coral, beryl, treasures, food, drink, elixers, amd clothes -- these demanding beggars are usually Bodhisattvas living in the inconcievable liberation who, through their skill in liberative technique, wish to test and thus demonstrate the firmness of the high resolve of the Bodhisattvas. Why? Reverend Mahakasyapa, the Bodhisattvas demonstrate that firmness by means of terrible austerities. Ordinary beings have no power to be this demanding of Bodhisattvas, unless they are granted the oppurtunity. They are not capable of killing and depriving in that manner without being freeluy given the chance.Reverend Mahakasyapa, just as a glowworm cannot eclipse the light of the sun, so Reverend Mahakasyapa, it is not possible without special allowance that an ordinary person can thus attack and deprive a Bodhisattva. Reverend Mahakasyapa, just as a donkey could not muster an attack on a wild elephant, even so, Reverend Mahakasyapa, one who is not himself a Bodhisattva cannot harass a Bodhisattva. Only one who is himself a Bodhisattva can harass another Bodhisattva, and only a Bodhisattva can tolerate the harassment of another Bodhisattva.....
— Vimalakirti, The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti

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