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A concise guide to the key practice systems of the East Asian Meditational schools Ch'an, Son, and Zen.
The Sūtra of Perfect Enlightenment, used in monastic education for more than a millennium, is a concise guide to the key paradigms of the practice systems of the East Asian meditational schools (Ch'an, Sǒn, and Zen). Contained in its twelve chapters are definitive explanations of the meaning of innate and actualized enlightenment, sudden and gradual enlightenment, the true nature of ignorance and suffering, along with numerous examples of methods of contemplation that accord with and reflect the basic Ch'an views on enlightenment and practice. Although the Sutra was popular throughout the East Asian region, it attained its highest canonical status within the Korean Chogye school, where it is still a key text in the core curriculum of modern-day monks and nuns. The Sutra is translated here in full, along with the eloquent and revelatory commentary of the Chǒson monk Kihwa (1376–1433).
"One of the most attractive aspects of this work is simply that it is a well-done translation of an important text. Considering that the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment is also of great importance in China and Korea, it is particularly welcome that Muller, one of a handful of recognized scholars of Korean Buddhism, has chosen to translate it. The Introduction provides an excellent overview of major issues in East Asian Buddhist thought, and Muller's ability to contextualize these issues in terms of both indigenous Chinese intellectual traditions as well as their Korean trajectories provides a healthy and rare alternative to the more typically narrow treatments of particular texts." — Jamie Hubbard, Smith College
"What I like most about this book is its intercultural approach to the study of a Buddhist internal problem, and its lucid and accessible prose style. This book adds one nail to the coffin of interpretations of Zen that continue to portray it as an anti-intellectual, doctrineless protest against clear and rational thinking and analysis. It is a superb example of historical reconstruction in the fields of Buddhist studies and Korean religious studies, worthy of emulation." — John Goulde, Sweet Briar College
Preface
Abbreviations and Conventions
Introduction
What Is the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment?
Chinese Origins and Effects
The Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment in Korea Before Kihwa
Kihwa (Hamho Tukt'ong)
The SPE after Kihwa: The Choson Period
The Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment Today
Overview of the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment
Translation
Kihwa's Introduction
1. Mañjusri Bodhisattva
2. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva
3. Universal Vision Bodhisattva
4. Vajragarbha Bodhisattva
5. Maitreya Bodhisattva
6. Pure Wisdom Bodhisattva
7. Power and Virtue Unhindered Bodhisattva
8. Voice of Discernment Bodhisattva
9. Purifier of All Karmic Hindrances Bodhisattva
10. Universal Enlightenment Bodhisattva
11. Perfect Enlightenment Bodhisattva
12. Most Excellent of Worthies Bodhisattva
Appendix: Kihwa's Revised Edition of the Sutra
Notes
Works Cited
Index