Sutra of Hui-neng, grand master of Zen, The

By Huineng

Book Description

The story of Hui-neng stands as one of Buddhism's most remarkable testimonies to the universal accessibility of spiritual awakening. Born into humble circumstances as an illiterate woodcutter, this extraordinary figure experienced sudden enlightenment and rose to become the revered Sixth Patriarch of Chinese Zen Buddhism during the seventh and eighth centuries.

This profound collection presents Hui-neng's essential teachings, which continue to inspire seekers across cultures and centuries. His approach cuts through conventional barriers, demonstrating that formal education and social status hold no power over genuine spiritual realization. What emerges instead is a direct path to understanding the fundamental nature of consciousness itself.

Hui-neng's wisdom speaks with remarkable clarity and immediacy, offering insights that pierce straight to the heart of awareness. His teachings emphasize direct experience over intellectual analysis, inviting readers to discover their own inherent wisdom rather than relying on external authorities.

The volume also includes Hui-neng's personal commentary on the Diamond Sutra, appearing here in English translation for the first time. This addition provides deeper context for understanding his revolutionary approach to Zen practice and philosophy.

For anyone drawn to authentic spiritual inquiry, this collection offers timeless guidance from a master who embodied the very essence of what he taught. Hui-neng's legacy reminds us that enlightenment recognizes no boundaries of birth, education, or circumstance.