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Taishō nos. 639, 640, 641, & 169
Taishō nos. 639, 640, 641, & 169
This volume, published by Dharmakāya Books, is a collection of four English translations from the Chinese Buddhist canon, all focused on the teachings of the Candrapradīpa Samādhi Sūtra. In the Sanskrit tradition, this text is better known as the Samādhirāja Sūtra (King of Samādhis Sūtra). Renowned as one of the most influential Mahāyāna sūtras, this sūtra is revered for its detailed exploration of samādhi and as a foundational scripture for understanding the path and conduct of a bodhisattva. Its importance lies in shaping later Mahāyāna philosophy, offering practical and philosophical guidance on wisdom, meditation, and the non-dual vision central to the bodhisattva ideal.
This collection is central to early Mahāyāna literature and explores the deep state called the "samādhi on the equality and non-discrimination of all dharmas." It serves as a thorough guide to the bodhisattva path, describing the discipline, patience, and understanding of emptiness needed to realise the awakened qualities of all buddhas.
Hard copies can be purchased at Dharmakāya Books.
These translations aim to make the complex philosophy and rich stories of the sūtras accessible and easy to read. The collection includes:
The Candrapradīpa Samādhi Sūtra (Taishō no. 639): This is the primary text of this volume. Translated by the Indian Trepiṭaka Narendrayaśas in 557 CE, this extensive sūtra explores the nature of samādhi. It describes samādhi as more than meditative concentration, presenting it as the fundamental realisation of emptiness that gives access to the awakened qualities of all buddhas. The text functions as a valuable repository of doctrinal exposition and outlines the conduct, patience, and rigorous moral discipline expected of bodhisattvas.
The Candraprabha Bodhisattva Sūtra (Taishō no. 169): This text, attributed to Upāsaka Zhi Qian in the 3rd Century, is an earlier standalone sūtra closely paralleling Chapter 35 of the main sūtra. It focuses on devotion through the past-life narrative of Princess Jñānāvatī, who sacrifices her own flesh to cure a Dharma teacher, illustrating the realisation of no-self and impermanence.
The Practice with Ten Aspects for Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva Sūtra (Taishō no. 640): This text, probably correctly attributed to the Śrāmaṇa Xiāngōng in the 5th Century, is a standalone sūtra paralleling Chapters 27-29 of the main sūtra. It details the benefits of cultivating the six perfections and explains the merit of resting in the ultimate equality of all dharmas.
A "Candrapradīpa Samādhi Sūtra" Fragment (Taishō no. 641): This text was spuriously attributed to Śrāmaṇa Xiāngōng. It is traditionally linked to Chapter 24 of the main text, but this fragment does not appear to be connected to the Samādhirāja literature. Instead, it offers a rigorous, repetitive deconstruction of doctrinal frameworks. This style shows the far-reaching influence of “samādhi” literature designed for liturgical and contemplative purposes.
Each of these sūtras is presented with full and detailed introductions and analyses informed by academic research and traditional commentarial literature. In these introductions, readers can expect to find historical context situating each text within the development of Mahāyāna Buddhism, overviews of key doctrinal themes, and summaries of interpretations from both traditional and modern commentators. These sections are intended to equip readers with essential background and interpretive tools before engaging with the translations themselves.
Translated into English by Alexander James O'Neill (2024-6)
Translated into English by Alexander James O'Neill (2024-6)
Reading Guide in "Learning the Navagrantha"
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