Diamond Sutra Pronunciation Guide and Direct Explanation (金剛經音釋直解)

About 金剛經音釋直解

Ming · by 圓杲解註

16,640 · about 55 min

The "Diamond Sutra with Phonetic Annotations and Direct Explanations" is a commentary by the Ming Dynasty eminent monk Master Yuan Gao, providing annotations on Kumārajīva's translation of the Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra (Diamond Sutra). This work emerged against the backdrop of the revival of Buddhist doctrinal studies during the Ming Dynasty, aiming to help practitioners overcome textual barriers and directly grasp the core meaning of the sutra through a combination of phonetic annotations and straightforward explanations. Its content primarily includes phonetic annotations and definitions of difficult characters in the sutra, as well as clear and accessible interpretations of the Prajñā (wisdom) doctrine of emptiness, emphasizing the essential practice of transcending appearances, abandoning attachments, and dwelling in non-abiding. As a concise and practical introductory commentary, this work has played a significant role in the history of Buddhism by facilitating the popularization and understanding of the Diamond Sutra. It remains an important text for studying Ming Dynasty Buddhist thought and the dissemination of the Diamond Sutra.