
Vajra-chhediká, the “Kin Kong King”, or Diamond Sútra
Introduction
Sútra
Transcriber’s Notes.
An ancient assembly gathers in the tranquil garden of Śrávastí, where the Buddha, having taken his alms‑bowl, settles among a thousand and two hundred monks. The sutra opens with a vivid recounting of a historic translation effort, when a Tibetan scholar and a legion of priests were summoned by the Chinese emperor to render the teachings with exacting fidelity. Listeners are drawn into the reverent atmosphere of that first gathering, feeling the weight of centuries‑old devotion as the text unfolds in its measured, lyrical cadence.
From this solemn setting emerges a gentle dialogue between the venerable Subhúti and the Buddha, probing the nature of a “pure, enlightened heart.” The discourse offers practical guidance on quieting restless emotions and cultivating compassion that transcends species and form. As the teachings unfold, the listener is invited to contemplate a timeless path toward inner liberation, carried forward by the resonant chant‑like verses of the Diamond Sutra.
Language
en
Duration
~49 minutes (47K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Ronald Grenier from page images generously made available by HathiTrust/University of Minnesota Libraries
Release date
2021-02-25
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
This work comes from an anonymous or unidentified writer, which adds a little mystery before the story even begins. When no author can be confirmed, the focus shifts fully to the words and the world they create.
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