Shurangama Sutra, The

Book Description

The Shurangama Sutra presents one of Buddhism's most profound teachings on meditation and spiritual awakening, delivered through an intimate dialogue between the Buddha and his cousin Ananda. This ancient text emerges from a pivotal moment when Ananda, having nearly compromised his monastic vows, seeks the Buddha's guidance on achieving deep concentration and spiritual mastery.

Through a dynamic question-and-answer format involving the Buddha, Ananda, and Venerable Pruna, readers discover the concept of universal mind that connects all living beings. The sutra reveals that true understanding of this cosmic consciousness requires dedicated spiritual practice and cultivation. Twenty-five different sages share their unique approaches to enlightenment, offering practitioners multiple pathways to spiritual development.

At the heart of this teaching lies the powerful Shurangama Samadhi, a transformative meditative state that the Buddha describes as both enduring and profound. This practice enables ordinary individuals to progress systematically through various stages of awakening toward complete liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The Buddha provides practical guidance for navigating the challenging states that arise during deep meditation, making this text an invaluable companion for serious practitioners. This complete English translation presents the sutra without commentary, allowing readers direct access to these timeless teachings on concentration, mindfulness, and the path to enlightenment.