Ordinary Enlightenment: A Translation of the Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra - Softcover

Luk, Charles

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1570629714 ISBN 13: 9781570629716

Publisher: Shambhala, 2002

Synopsis

This classic scripture of Mahayana Buddhism and Zen emphasizes spiritual practice in the midst of secular life. Composed in about the second century CE, The Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra tells the story of a householder named Vimalakirti who lived a worldly life while following the Bodhisattva path. This sutra is particularly applicable to Western students of Buddhism because it teaches that people in the secular life can practice Buddhism as effectively as members of monastic communities. The translator provides an accurate and accessible text complete with explanatory notes and a glossary.

About this title

Review:

"This is the only translation of this work from the Chinese, and it is eminently accessible. An archetypal source for lay students, I enjoy it for its depth and its humor."--Robert Aitken, author of Taking the Path of Zen

Synopsis:

This text is a readable translation of the classic Buddhist scripture on becoming a fully realized spiritual being in the midst of everyday life. Composed in about the 2nd century, this text tells the story of a laymen named Vimalakirti who lives an ordinary, worldly life while following the path of a bodhisattva - one who forgoes his or her own enlightenment to help others.

About this edition

• Publisher: Shambhala
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1570629714
• ISBN 13: 9781570629716
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 182