The Vimalakīrti-Nirdeśa-Sūtra A Modern English Translation: The Sutra of Vimalakirti's Exposition The Buddha's Discourse on Vimalakirti Kindle Edition

"Both the Foshuo Vimalakirti Sutra (佛説維摩詰経) and the Vimalakirti-nirdesa Sutra (維摩詰所説経) are Chinese translations of the Vimalakirti Sutra, but they differ in their creation period and translator.Both sutras are Chinese translations of the early Mahayana sutra "Vimalakīrtinirdeśa," which originated in India. The original text is believed to have been written in Sanskrit, but it was lost for a long time. However, a Sanskrit original was discovered in 1999 at the Potala Palace in Tibet.Foshuo Vimalakirti SutraTranslator: Zhi Qian (支謙)Creation Period: Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD)Characteristics: A two-volume version translated by Zhi Qian, who was active in Jiangnan (southern China).Vimalakirti-nirdesa SutraTranslator: Kumarajiva (鳩摩羅什)Creation Period: Sixteen Kingdoms period (304-439 AD)Characteristics: A three-volume version and the most widely used Chinese translation.The Vimalakirti Sutra itself is an early Mahayana sutra believed to have been created in India around the 2nd century. The original text is presumed to have been written in Sanskrit, but the only complete texts that survive are Chinese translations.Kumarajiva's translation of the Vimalakirti-nirdesa Sutra had a significant influence on Buddhism in China, Korea, and Japan. In particular, the commentary Zhu Vimalakirti Sutra (註維摩詰経) written by Kumarajiva's disciple, Sengzhao, is still considered important in Vimalakirti Sutra studies today.This book contains a modern translation of the commonly circulated Vimalakirti-nirdesa Sutra translated by Kumarajiva, as well as the Foshuo Vimalakirti Sutra translated by Zhi Qian, which is considered closer to the original text.The Vimalakirti Sutra is a story centered around Vimalakirti, a lay practitioner with exceptional wisdom. While confined to his sickbed, he engages in dialogues with Buddhist disciples, including Manjushri Bodhisattva, and with deities, unfolding free and innovative ideas that transcend the conventional framework of Buddhism.The two translations included in this book each possess unique appeal:Vimalakirti-nirdesa Sutra (Kumarajiva's translation): Its fluent writing and dramatic development have endeared it to many. Its refined expression draws readers into the world of the story and conveys profound Buddhist teachings in an easy-to-understand manner.Foshuo Vimalakirti Sutra (Zhi Qian's translation): As it is considered closer to the original text, it is also highly valued for its academic significance. Its simple expression leaves a powerful impression that touches the very roots of Buddhist thought.By including these two translations in modern language, this book aims to allow readers to encounter the appeal of the Vimalakirti Sutra from their respective perspectives and deepen their understanding.The Vimalakirti Sutra preaches the message that one can attain enlightenment even as a layperson, while living a social life. It teaches the importance of living with a free mind, unbound by the conventional framework of Buddhism.Modern society is an era of diverse values and rapid change. That is why the message of the Vimalakirti Sutra, which advocates living with a free mind, not bound by fixed ideas, is a very important guideline for us.We hope that this book will provide readers with new perspectives and deep inspiration, and help them to live richer lives." Read more