Describing the Indescribable: A Commentary on the Diamond Sutra

by Hsing Yun, Tom Graham (Translator)

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.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2001

About the author

Hsing Yun was a Chinese Buddhist monk, teacher, and philanthropist based in Taiwan. He was the founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist monastic order as well as the layperson-based Buddha's Light International Association. Hsing Yun was considered a major proponent of Humanistic Buddhism and one of the most influential teachers of modern Taiwanese Buddhism. In Taiwan, he was popularly referred to as one of the "Four Heavenly Kings" of Taiwanese Buddhism, along with his contemporaries: Master Sheng Yen of Dharma Drum Mountain, Master Shih Cheng Yen of Tzu Chi and Master Wei Chueh of Chung Tai Shan.

Reviews

[Lynne]

Very profound

[Thukten T]

It's difficult to comprehend the deeper meaning of the sutra as mentioned in the book. Nevertheless, invaluable teachings to the world.

[michael lequire]

Contains a translation of the Diamond Sutra, which is as good as any I've read. Beautiful and filled with useful knowledge.

[Brandon Lott]

This is by far one of the most amazing books I have ever read and it will be a treasured piece of my library for the rest of my time on earth. The Diamond Sutra in and of itself is pretty amazing, but Master Hsing Yun's interpretation and depth of understanding of the sutra, as well as his ability to portray what is being spoken about in simple language is just simply beautiful. The sutra itself could be read in one sitting, but when reading Master Hsing Yun's commentary, you have to sit and chew and contemplate ... it's really a great piece of work.