Brief Commentary on the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment (圓覺經略疏鈔)

About 圓覺經略疏鈔

Tang · by 宗密(於大疏略出)

204,778 · about 683 min

The *Brief Commentary on the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment* by Zongmi of the Tang Dynasty is an authoritative commentary on the *Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment*, serving as a concise and essential summary of his larger work, the *Extensive Commentary on the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment*. Composed during the flourishing period of Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty, this text aims to systematically elucidate the perfect and sudden teachings of the *Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment*. Its content encompasses the nature of enlightenment itself, the stages of practice, and the integration of Chan and doctrinal teachings. From the perspective of the Huayan school harmonizing with Chan, Zongmi profoundly analyzes the profound meaning of "perfect enlightenment," emphasizing that all sentient beings inherently possess this complete and perfect enlightened nature. This commentary is esteemed as a significant canonical work in the study of Chinese Buddhist doctrine. It exerted a profound influence on the subsequent development of the integration of Chan and doctrinal teachings, and remains a key text for understanding the theory of mind-nature and practical perspectives in Chinese Buddhism.