Sutras

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  • JohnS
    • Mar 2025

    Sutras

    Which sutra are used in the Zen tradition?

    Gassho

    John

    SatToday
  • Dogukan
    Member
    • Oct 2021
    • 144

    #2
    Hello John,

    The most emphasized sutra in Zen must be the Heart Sutra. It is followed by sutras such as the Vimalakirti and the Lankavatara. As a member of the great Mahayana family, the Diamond Sutra is also cherished by the Zen people. Although not spoken by the Buddha despite its name, The Platform Sutra, which contains the teachings of the Sixth Ancestor of Chan/Zen, Hui-Neng, is also important. These are the main sutras I have come across in my reading of Zen history and my observations of several Zen groups. I believe other people who know more about Zen history, can name some other sutras and also provide more information about these texts. Have a great day!

    Gassho,
    Doğukan.
    Sat & LaH.

    Comment

    • Jundo
      Treeleaf Founder and Priest
      • Apr 2006
      • 41208

      #3
      Originally posted by Dogukan
      Hello John,

      The most emphasized sutra in Zen must be the Heart Sutra. It is followed by sutras such as the Vimalakirti and the Lankavatara. As a member of the great Mahayana family, the Diamond Sutra is also cherished by the Zen people. Although not spoken by the Buddha despite its name, The Platform Sutra, which contains the teachings of the Sixth Ancestor of Chan/Zen, Hui-Neng, is also important. These are the main sutras I have come across in my reading of Zen history and my observations of several Zen groups. I believe other people who know more about Zen history, can name some other sutras and also provide more information about these texts. Have a great day!

      Gassho,
      Doğukan.
      Sat & LaH.
      Yes, that is a very good list.

      Dogen also cherished, and danced with in his Shobogenzo and elsewhere, the Lotus Sutra.

      The Flower Garland philosophy of interpenetration and identity was very influential on Zen, as was to a lesser degree the very long Sutra of the same name.

      Dogen doubted the authenticity (correctly, as historians now know) of the Surangama Sutra.

      Of course, one can learn from any Sutra or Sutta, but do not be bound by the words.

      Gassho, J

      STLah
      ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

      Comment

      • Kaishin
        Member
        • Dec 2010
        • 2322

        #4
        The well-respected translator Red Pine has recently published a wonderful book containing most of the above (some of them abridged) in one handy, small volume:



        A less expensive paperback version releases next month (Feb 2022), or there is a kindle version as well.

        Here's a snap of the table of contents (click to enlarge):



        -stlah
        Thanks,
        Kaishin (開心, Open Heart)
        Please take this layman's words with a grain of salt.

        Comment

        • Rousei
          Member
          • Oct 2020
          • 118

          #5
          Originally posted by Kaishin
          The well-respected translator Red Pine has recently published a wonderful book containing most of the above (some of them abridged) in one handy, small volume:



          A less expensive paperback version releases next month (Feb 2022), or there is a kindle version as well.

          Here's a snap of the table of contents (click to enlarge):



          -stlah


          I agree, great book for carrying around.

          Gassho
          Mark
          ST


          Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
          浪省 - RouSei - Wandering Introspection

          Comment

          • Gregor
            Member
            • Apr 2007
            • 638

            #6
            Originally posted by WanderingIntrospection


            I agree, great book for carrying around.

            Gassho
            Mark
            ST


            Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
            I know we are supposed to let go of attachments and craving but I really want this book. . . Was trying for a no buy (low buy) year. Gonna have to contemplate this one, lol.

            Gassho,

            Greg
            ST

            Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk
            Jukai '09 Dharma Name: Shinko 慎重(Prudent Calm)

            Comment

            • Heiso
              Member
              • Jan 2019
              • 834

              #7
              The contents are great but the hardcover is a lovely little book.

              Gassho,

              Heiso

              StLah

              Comment

              • Risho
                Member
                • May 2010
                • 3178

                #8
                I must get that book lol

                gassho

                risho
                -stlah
                Email: risho.treeleaf@gmail.com

                Comment

                • Jundo
                  Treeleaf Founder and Priest
                  • Apr 2006
                  • 41208

                  #9
                  Do not cling to books ... including books which instruct us not to cling.

                  Is the True Cover hard or soft? (A Koan)

                  Gassho, J

                  STLah
                  ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

                  Comment

                  • Bion
                    Senior Priest-in-Training
                    • Aug 2020
                    • 5095

                    #10
                    Originally posted by Jundo
                    Do not cling to books ... including books which instruct us not to cling.

                    Is the True Cover hard or soft? (A Koan)

                    Gassho, J

                    STLah
                    The price difference here between hard cover and paperback is like 15 euros. [emoji15] But only hard cover is available as the paperback is released in February or so

                    [emoji1374] Sat Today
                    "Stepping back with open hands, is thoroughly comprehending life and death. Immediately you can sparkle and respond to the world." - Hongzhi

                    Comment

                    • Jundo
                      Treeleaf Founder and Priest
                      • Apr 2006
                      • 41208

                      #11
                      Originally posted by Bion
                      The price difference here between hard cover and paperback is like 15 euros. [emoji15] But only hard cover is available as the paperback is released in February or so

                      [emoji1374] Sat Today
                      Your answer to the Koan reminded me of this other classis ...

                      A monk asked Qingyuan, "What is the great meaning of Buddhism?"

                      Qingyuan said, "What is the price of rice in Luling?"
                      What is the price of book until February?

                      Gassho, J

                      STLah
                      ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

                      Comment

                      • Shokai
                        Dharma Transmitted Priest
                        • Mar 2009
                        • 6529

                        #12
                        What a fantastic example of impermanence; the koan keeps changing

                        gassho, Shokai
                        stlah
                        合掌,生開
                        gassho, Shokai

                        仁道 生開 / Jindo Shokai

                        "Open to life in a benevolent way"

                        https://sarushinzendo.wordpress.com/

                        Comment

                        • Prashanth
                          Member
                          • Nov 2021
                          • 181

                          #13
                          Originally posted by Jundo
                          Do not cling to books ... including books which instruct us not to cling. [emoji14]

                          Is the True Cover hard or soft? (A Koan)

                          Gassho, J

                          STLah
                          The True Cover is neither soft nor hard. It exists only if what it binds exists.

                          [emoji120]

                          sat

                          Sent from my GS190 using Tapatalk

                          Comment

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