From the books · Free excerpts
Each excerpt comes from the manuscript in the selected language. Visit a volume’s page to discover its style and interpretive approach before choosing your book.
Volume 1
A modern interpretation of the Pure Land Sūtras and Samantabhadra’s Practices and Vows
“Śāriputra, why is that world called ‘Sukhāvatī’?” “In that world, its beings suffer no afflictions—only boundless joy exists; hence it is named ‘Sukhāvatī’.”Read this volume’s excerpt
Volume 2
A modern interpretation of the Śūraṅgama Sūtra
The passage describes the disciples who followed Śākyamuni Buddha.
They were kind-hearted, upright, and dignified. They followed the Sage in proclaiming the truth, their hearts pure and trustworthy. They were strict with themselves yet lenient with others.Read this volume’s excerpt
Volume 3
A modern interpretation of the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra
The passage describes the inspiration of Mahāmati Bodhisattva.
His inspiration can transform human thought and elevate spiritual understanding. It enables people to discern the necessary laws behind endlessly varied contingent phenomena, and to perceive the shared essence within the infinite diversity of outward appearances.Read this volume’s excerpt
Volume 4
Modern interpretations of the Heart, Diamond and Perfect Enlightenment Sūtras
“O you spiritually aware ones who seek eternal life!” “You must persevere with steadfast endurance and practice deeply the path of spiritual awakening and the pursuit of holiness;” “With luminous hearts, you must enter through meditation into the ethereal state in which body and mind are united;” “You must transcend every form of mental bondage.”Read this volume’s excerpt
Volume 5
The Saṃdhinirmocana Sūtra: modern interpretation and meditation
The passage describes the spiritual light perceived during the meditative assembly.
That numinous light could awaken the purest and most elemental goodness in the depths of the human heart. It could inspire people to reflect upon the ultimate meaning of life, awaken their longing for true knowledge, and call forth within them faith in and yearning for the Holy Lord.Read this volume’s excerpt
Volume 6
The Vimalakīrti Sūtra: modern interpretation and everyday practice
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.Read this volume’s excerpt
Volume 7
A modern interpretation of the Lotus Sūtra
Invisibly present were also the Holy Messengers who had descended into this world to enlighten human hearts. They quietly guided humanity in the endless pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty; they silently inspired humanity to ponder the profound meaning of life; they gently encouraged humanity to detach themselves from worldly distractions and find tranquility and simplicity; they subtly motivated humanity to bravely walk the path toward truth without hesitation.Read this volume’s excerpt
These passages are extracts. Read them in the context of their chapters and the complete work to understand their full meaning. Each volume’s page gives the source.
