Introduction
The Holy Physician for Humanity
The Holy Physician for Humanity presents a modern interpretation of the Vimalakīrti Sūtra. It describes a path of helping others and elevating life within the world. As a householder, Vimalakīrti lives among family and society, teaching through word and example and showing how faith can enter ordinary life.
The dialogues prompted by a visit to the sick bring ageing, illness and death into searching reflection. The “holy physician” expresses the work of illuminating the heart through sacred teaching and compassionately supporting those who suffer, renewing confidence and hope amid anxiety. From discerning mistaken attachments and transcending divisive judgements to meditation and teaching according to need, the scripture joins understanding with care and guidance.
The book emphasises the mutual fulfilment of personal growth and helping others: deepening faith through service, examining oneself through giving, and meeting ambition, jealousy and pride with love that asks no reward. Understanding becomes action in protecting truth and supporting people. For those seeking to practise faith in family and society, it reveals how spiritual cultivation and human relationships illuminate one another.
For readers wishing to practise faith within family and society, fulfil their responsibilities and learn to care for and accompany others.
Scriptures
Scriptures in this volume
The Sūtra Taught by Vimalakīrti
Through the householder Vimalakīrti’s teaching and example, explore faith, reflection on life, compassion and the sharing of the sacred teaching.
Read this volume’s excerptQuestions
Questions to bring to your reading
Can family life become a place of spiritual practice?
The path in this volume extends through family, society and everyday encounters. Vimalakīrti’s example invites readers to examine themselves while fulfilling responsibilities, relating to others and helping those in difficulty. Faith becomes visible in conduct.
What does “holy physician” mean in the title?
In this book’s introduction, it refers to illuminating the heart through sacred teaching and supporting those who suffer with compassion. The book concerns scriptural interpretation and faith in practice, including how to accompany people in anxiety and awaken confidence and hope.
From the books · Free excerpts
Read a passage and discover the approach
Chapter Two · Section 1, verses 10–12 · The passage describes Vimalakīrti’s conduct.
He strictly upheld the sacred precepts and conducted himself with purity and caution; through his every word and action he guided those who spoke and acted without restraint.
He was tolerant and magnanimous, restraining himself and forgiving others; through his every word and action he guided those who were narrow-minded and vindictive.
He diligently studied the scriptures and deeply contemplated their meaning; through both teaching and personal example he guided those who recited without understanding and studied without reflection.
Excerpt source · The Holy Physician for Humanity · Chapter Two · Section 1, verses 10–12
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