Vimalakīrti Sutra Abridged Commentary (維摩經略疏)

About 維摩經略疏

Sui · by 智顗說　唐 湛然略

216,295 · about 721 min

The *Vimalakīrti Sutra Abridged Commentary* is a Buddhist exegetical work delivered by the Sui dynasty eminent monk Zhiyi and edited into concise form by Zhanran of the Tang dynasty. This text provides systematic commentary on the *Vimalakīrti Nirdeśa Sūtra*, elucidating Mahāyāna doctrines such as the true reality of all phenomena and the principle of nonduality, while integrating the Tiantai school’s contemplative practice of the threefold contemplation in a single mind. As the de facto founder of the Tiantai school, Zhiyi’s commentary synthesizes distinct features of Chinese Buddhist doctrinal study and practical cultivation. This commentary not only serves as an essential text for studying the *Vimalakīrti Sūtra* and Tiantai śamatha-vipaśyanā, but also demonstrates the vigorous development of Buddhist doctrinal studies during the Sui and Tang periods, exerting a profound influence on the formation of the philosophical system of Chinese Buddhism.