Commentary on the Benevolent Kings Sutra (仁王經疏)

About 仁王經疏

Song · by 淨源撰集

59,403 · about 198 min

The Commentary on the Benevolent Kings Sutra, compiled by the eminent Song Dynasty monk Dharma Master Jingyuan, is an authoritative exegesis on the Buddhist scripture for protecting the nation, the Prajñāpāramitā Sutra for Humane Kings. This commentary emerged during the Song Dynasty, a period of flourishing Buddhist doctrinal studies in China, integrating Huayan and Tiantai thought to systematically elucidate the Dharma principles for safeguarding the nation and pacifying calamities, along with the contemplative practices. Its content encompasses the analysis of the sutra’s structure, explanations of terminology, and the application of contemplative cultivation, emphasizing the ultimate role of prajñā wisdom in countering the disasters of turbulent times. Revered as a milestone work among the commentaries on the Benevolent Kings Sutra, it has profoundly influenced the development of nation-protecting thought and ritual traditions in Chinese Buddhism, serving as an essential text for the study of Song Dynasty Buddhist philosophy and practice.