Commentary on the Diamond Sutra

📚 Content Summary

This book presents a detailed commentary by Fu You Di Jun, a deity from the Qing Dynasty, on the Diamond Sutra (Vajra Prajna Paramita Sutra). The entire text is divided into thirty-two sections, each containing the original sutra passage, concise annotations (Zhù), and an accessible explanation of profound principles (Jiǎng), aiming to guide readers in realizing the true essence of Buddhist teachings.

Delve deeply into the treasury of scriptures and realize emptiness: Fu You Di Jun personally imparts the liberation path of the Diamond Sutra.

Author: Qing Dynasty, Fu You Di Jun

Acknowledgments: Buddhist Electronic Tripitaka Foundation (CBETA)

🎯 Learning Objectives

1. Describe the circumstances that gave rise to the Diamond Prajna Assembly and understand the truth that Buddhism is inseparable from daily life.
2. Master the two core questions raised by Subhuti: "How should one abide?" and "How should one subdue the mind?"
3. Understand and explain the meaning of the "Four Marks" (self, others, sentient beings, and lifespan) and their obstacles to practice.
4. Comprehend and distinguish between conditioned merit and unconditioned virtue: discern the essential difference in merit between offering all seven treasures across three thousand great thousand worlds and upholding just four lines of verse.
5. Grasp the Prajna logic of "not this, yet named as such": apply this logic to interpret Buddhist concepts, enlightenment stages, pure lands, dust particles, and worlds.
6. Realize the meditative principles of "non-attainment" and "non-abiding": understand the nature of Subhuti’s attainment and the prophecy bestowed by Buddha Ran Deng, and put them into practice through cultivating a pure mind.
7. Deeply analyze the view of ultimate reality: explain the meaning of "when faith is pure, the true form arises," and comprehend the principle that "to be free from all marks is to be called Buddha."
8. Experience the merit of upholding the sutra: compare the difference in merit between offering one's body and upholding the sutra with unwavering faith, and grasp the deeper motivation behind it.
9. Transform karmic hindrances and self-conception: realize how being ridiculed for upholding the sutra can transform past evil karma, and establish a practice centered on "ultimate non-self."
10. Be able to distinguish the definitions of the "Five Eyes" (flesh eye, heavenly eye, wisdom eye, Dharma eye, Buddha eye) and their hierarchical levels in contemplating one’s true nature.