The Candrapradipa Samadhi Sutra (Paperback)

Paperback. This volume brings together four English translations from the Chinese Buddhist canon, all focused on the teachings of the Candrapradipa Samadhi Sutra. In the Sanskrit tradition, this text is better known as the Samadhiraja Sutra (King of Samadhis Sutra). Renowned as one of the most influential Mahayana sutras, this sutra is revered for its detailed exploration of samadhi and as a foundational scripture for understanding the path and conduct of a bodhisattva. Its importance lies in forming later Mahayana philosophy, offering practical and philosophical guidance on wisdom, meditation, and the vision of non-duality central to the bodhisattva ideal. This collection is central to early Mahayana literature and explores the deep state called the "samadhi on the equality and non-discrimination of all dharmas." It serves as a thorough guide to the bodhisattva path, describing the discipline, patience, and understanding of emptiness needed to realise the awakened qualities of all buddhas. These translations aim to make the complex philosophy and rich stories of the sutras accessible and easy to read. The collection includes: The Candrapradipa Samadhi Sutra (Taisho no. 639): This is the primary text of this volume. Translated by the Indian Trepitaka Narendrayasas in 557 CE, this extensive sutra explores the nature of samadhi. It describes samadhi as more than meditative concentration, presenting it as the fundamental realisation of emptiness that gives access to the awakened qualities of all buddhas. The text functions as a valuable repository of doctrinal exposition and outlines the conduct, patience, and rigorous moral discipline expected of bodhisattvas.The Candraprabha Bodhisattva Sutra (Taisho no. 169): This text, attributed to Upasaka Zhi Qian in the 3rd Century, is an earlier standalone sutra closely paralleling Chapter 35 of the main sutra. It focuses on devotion through the past-life narrative of Princess Jnanavati, who sacrifices her own flesh to cure a Dharma teacher, illustrating the realisation of no-self and impermanence.The Practice with Ten Aspects for Manjusri Bodhisattva Sutra (Taisho no. 640): This text, probably correctly attributed to the Sramana Xiangong in the 5th Century, is a standalone sutra paralleling Chapters 27-29 of the main sutra. It details the benefits of cultivating the six perfections and explains the merit of resting in the ultimate equality of all dharmas.A "Candrapradipa Samadhi Sutra" Fragment (Taisho no. 641): This text was spuriously attributed to Sramana Xiangong. It is traditionally linked to Chapter 24 of the main text, but this fragment does not appear to be connected to the Samadhiraja literature. Instead, it offers a rigorous, repetitive deconstruction of doctrinal frameworks. This style shows the far-reaching influence of "samadhi" literature designed for liturgical and contemplative purposes.Each of these sutras is presented with full and detailed introductions and analyses informed by academic research and traditional commentarial literature. In these introductions, readers can expect to find historical context situating each text within the development of Mahayana Buddhism, overviews of key doctrinal themes, and summaries of interpretations from both traditional and modern commentators. These sections are intended to equip readers with essential background and interpretive tools before engaging with the translations themselves. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.…