Excerpts from The Diamond Sutra: Chapters 1-11, Part 1 of 2

The Diamond Sutra is also known as “Chin-Kang-Ching” or in Sanskrit “Vajracchedika-sutra” (“Diamond Cutter Sutra”). It is one of the most important historical scriptures in the Buddhist faith. This suta presents a collection of question-answer dialogs between the Buddha and His assembly of monks. Written with a spiritual goal, the Diamond Sutra is meant to alleviate suffering through the achievement of Wisdom. “‘Subhuti, as you have said, the Tathagata is skillfully mindful of the Bodhisattvas, and skillful in entrusting to the Bodhisattvas. If you now listen closely, I shall explain for you in what good sons and good daughters launching the Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi mind should thus abide, and how thus they should regulate their thoughts.’ ‘Subhuti, if a Bodhisattva has the view of a self, the view of a person, the view of beings, or the view of a soul; then he is not a Budhisattva.’ ‘Subhuti, the blessed virtue of a Bodhisattva not dwelling in the appearances of charity is also, again, thus: it cannot be calculated. Subhuti, Bodhisattvas should only thus in this teaching dwell.’”