(PDF) The Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra A Modern English Translation, Volume 01

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It is with profound reverence that we offer this modern English translation of the Mahāprajñāpāramitā Sūtra (The Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra). This monumental scripture stands as a cornerstone of Mahāyāna Buddhist philosophy, its luminous teachings having illuminated the path of countless practitioners across Asia for nearly two millennia. Our aspiration is that this rendering will open a fresh avenue for contemporary seekers to connect with its timeless wisdom.
The Mahāprajñāpāramitā Sūtra is the most extensive and definitive exposition of Prajñāpāramitā, or the “Perfection of Wisdom.” It masterfully articulates the doctrine of śūnyatā (emptiness)—the understanding that all phenomena are devoid of inherent, independent existence (asvabhāva) and arise interdependently (pratītyasamutpāda). This profound insight is presented as the key to liberation from suffering, guiding the Bodhisattva on the path of selfless compassion for all beings. Its vastness, traditionally comprising 600 scrolls, has earned it the epithet “Mother of all Buddhas,” signifying its foundational role in nurturing enlightenment.
The genesis of this Sūtra is not attributable to a single author or a specific moment. Rather, it evolved organically, beginning around the 1st century BCE in India. Over subsequent centuries, anonymous sages and dedicated Buddhist communities gradually compiled, expanded, and refined these teachings. While early Prajñāpāramitā texts were concise, they grew into the comprehensive collection we know today. Philosophically championed by luminaries such as Nāgārjuna, these scriptures became pivotal in shaping the intellectual landscape of Mahāyāna Buddhism. The Sūtra is thus best understood as a collective embodiment of awakened wisdom and universal compassion.
From its Indian heartland, the Prajñāpāramitā teachings journeyed along the Silk Road, through Central Asia, and ultimately to China. While many Sanskrit originals have been lost to time, the profound insights of the Sūtra were meticulously preserved for posterity through masterful Chinese translations.
Among these, the translation by the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang (玄奘, 602-664 CE) stands unparalleled in its completeness and historical impact. Xuanzang’s legendary seventeen-year pilgrimage to India yielded a treasure trove of Buddhist texts. Upon his return, under imperial patronage, he embarked on a monumental translation project. His rendition of the entire 600-scroll Mahāprajñāpāramitā Sūtra, completed with remarkable speed between 660 and 663 CE, is celebrated for its fidelity, clarity, and elegant prose. This translation became the definitive version for the study and practice of Prajñāpāramitā throughout East Asia, profoundly influencing the Buddhist traditions of China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.
This present work is a modern English translation based upon Xuanzang’s seminal Chinese text. Our aim has been to convey its profound message in language that is accessible to contemporary readers, while endeavoring to retain the philosophical depth and spiritual resonance of the original.
The Mahāprajñāpāramitā Sūtra is more than an intellectual treatise; it is a transformative guide for introspective practice and a radical re-envisioning of reality. May this translation serve as a trusted companion on your spiritual journey, illuminating your path with the enduring light of wisdom and compassion.

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8288697968

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