word "Sutra" is a Sanskrit word literally means "thread".Such work may be aphorism, rule, formula, or a collection, which is connected with the help of a certain idea or theme.In a broad sense, it is the lyrics sutra in Buddhism or Hinduism.Known definition sutras of Indian literature describes it as capacious, coherent, comprehensive and meaningful work with a clear mind, understanding which leads to a perfect knowledge.
For centuries sutras transmitted only orally, from teacher to student, and only after a long time were recorded on palm leaves, and later released in the books.The known sutras relate primarily to the scientific and philosophical treatises of Hinduism, such as "Yoga Sutras" Patanjali - a fundamental text of classical yoga, a few decades ago, it became popular in the western world.A large number of such texts are canonical Buddhism.Traditionally, these are the words of the founder of this religion, or his closest disciples.Due to the lack of unity between the many schools of teaching, not all the sutras the Buddha unanimously recognized as original works that convey the words of the Enlightened One.
deserves special attention "Vadzhrachchhedika Prajnaparamita", plays an important role in this direction of Buddhism known as the Mahayana.Known as the "Diamond Sutra", it is also considered the world's first printed book.This monument was created by the Chinese woodcut master and Wan Chi is an ancient scroll, dating from the year 868.
"Diamond Sutra"
believed that "Vadzhrachchhedika Prajnaparamita" was composed in the first century AD.It is found early enough widespread in Asian countries where practicing Mahayana Buddhism.It is included in the other "Prajna Paramita Sutra."Its full name can be translated as "perfect wisdom that can even split diamond" or "diamonds dissects the perfection of wisdom."
relatively long sutra is divided into 32 chapters, and its recitation takes about 45 minutes."Diamond Sutra" is a dialogue built on issues experienced student named Subhuti and the Buddha replies.It is notable that in this conversation mentioned beneficial effects of the work and its perception of future generations.
Content
Like many canonical texts of Buddhism, "Diamond Sutra" begins with the words: "So I've heard."Enlightened One, who finished his daily quest for alms to the monks, resting in a grove of Jeta, while the elder Subhuti appears and asks him a question.So begins a dialogue on the nature of perception, where the Buddha basically tries to help the questioner to get rid of prejudices and limited understanding of the essence of enlightenment.Stressing that the forms of thought and the concept is ultimately illusory, he teaches that through theoretical constructions impossible to achieve true revival, and so they must be eventually discarded.During the sermon Buddha reiterates that even the assimilation of the quatrains of this teaching is unsurpassed merit and can lead to enlightenment.
