Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra (大般涅槃經)

About 大般涅槃經

Northern Liang · Source text translated by 曇無讖

336,029 · about 1120 min

The Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra is an important Buddhist scripture of the Mahāyāna Nirvāṇa category, translated during the Northern Liang dynasty by the renowned translator Dharmakṣema. This sutra primarily expounds the final teachings of the Buddha before his parinirvāṇa, with core doctrines including the theory of Buddha-nature, the four virtues of nirvāṇa—eternity, bliss, self, and purity—and other essential Mahāyāna Buddhist concepts. The text meticulously records the events surrounding the Buddha's parinirvāṇa and systematically elaborates the theory that all sentient beings possess Buddha-nature and can attain Buddhahood. This sutra has exerted a profound influence in the history of Chinese Buddhism, serving as a crucial doctrinal foundation for schools such as the Tiantai and Huayan traditions, and significantly shaping the development of East Asian Buddhism. Dharmakṣema's translation is distinguished by its elegant and fluent language, making it a vital text for the study of Mahāyāna Buddhist thought.