V01-Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra—Mahayana

In this sutra the second manifestation of Dorje Chang Buddha in this world, the layman Venerable Vimalakirti, offers very profound teachings on the nature of reality to the Arhat students of Shakyamuni Buddha and other beings. It is noted for its humor and imagery. There are two translations from the Chinese Canon by Burton Watson and Charles Luk and a third from the Tibetan by Robert Thurman and a more recent one from the Sanskrit. Many translations exist in English from all these sources. Some translations are available on-line.

This interactive course is not available for those enrolled in the free membership program for AUDITING STUDENTS. It will only be part of the paid membership program.

Click gold “CURRICULUM” button to review course, but you will need to click “MEMBERSHIP” on the top menu and enroll in either the Buddhist Studies or Xiuxing Seminary Program and register in this course before you can open any part of the course.  There are no prerequisite discourses that you are required to hear before you read this discourse, but you do need to complete your G02-Spiritual Autobiography to be accepted in either the Buddhist Studies or Xiuxing Seminary Programs. It is also recommended that you understand D35(A)-The 128 Evil & Erroneous Views to check for any translations errors.

The painting is of Venerable Vimalakirti in debate with the bodhisattva Manjusri. It is a detail from a wall painting in Cave 103 of Dunhuang, Gansu province, China, dated to the Tang Dynasty, 8th century.