The Diamond Sutra - A Radical Teaching on Shattering Illusions
Introduction: The Meaning of "Diamond" in the Diamond Sutra
The Dharma King began by explaining the title of the sutra—《金剛般若波羅蜜經》 (The Diamond Sutra: Prajñāpāramitā)—starting with just the first two characters: "金剛" (Vajra, or Diamond).
With a touch of humor, He asked, "Have you seen the movie 'King Kong'? That's a big gorilla—but that's not what we're talking about here!"
In ancient India, "Vajra" (金剛) referred to an indestructible weapon—a diamond-hard force that could destroy all obstacles and enemies. This is the Wrathful Vajra, like the Vajra Pestle (金剛杵), or the Great Powerful Vajra Protector (雄天護法).
The Radical Meaning of the Diamond Sutra: Destroying Everything
Many people misunderstand the Diamond Sutra. Its essence is not about building up knowledge—it’s about destroying everything!
The Dharma King pointed out that Bodhidharma, the great Zen patriarch, once gave a "Dharma talk" by simply slapping the table once—because there is nothing to say! If the Diamond Sutra destroys all concepts, even the Dharma itself, then what is left to explain?
"This is why," the Dharma King said, "when I teach the Diamond Sutra, I don’t give long lectures. Others may talk endlessly, but the listeners remain confused. The true meaning is simple: Destruction. Liberation. That’s it."
The Ultimate Truth: No Need to Cultivate After Enlightenment
The Dharma King then gave a striking example:
- "Imagine you’ve already become a Buddha. Do you still need to practice Dharma? No! There’s nothing left to cultivate."
- "Cultivation is non-cultivation. Non-cultivation is true cultivation."
Once you realize Buddhahood, who is left to make offerings to? Which deity is separate from you? A Buddha does not make offerings—a Buddha is the one who receives offerings (應供).
Breaking Down the Title: "Prajñāpāramitā" (般若波羅蜜)
- "Prajñā" (般若) – This is not worldly knowledge, but transcendent wisdom, the insight of emptiness (空性).
- "Pāramitā" (波羅蜜) – The "Great Vehicle" (Mahayana), the path to the other shore (liberation).
The Dharma King’s Unique Interpretation
While others explain the Diamond Sutra as "the indestructible wisdom sutra" or "the greatest sutra," the Dharma King’s interpretation is far more radical:
- "The Wisdom That Destroys Everything, Vast and Boundless."
The Translator: Kumārajīva
The Diamond Sutra was translated by Kumārajīva, an Indian master. But could he have been Chinese originally?
The Dharma King raised an interesting historical note:
- Śrī Siṃha (師利星哈), for example, was a Chinese master who went to India, studied under Garab Dorje, and mastered the Great Perfection (Dzogchen).
- He later transmitted these teachings to Jñānasūtra, Vimalamitra, Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), and Vairotsana, becoming their teacher.
Could Kumārajīva have had a similar background?
Conclusion: The Diamond Sutra’s Power
The Diamond Sutra is not just a scripture—it’s a weapon of wisdom that shatters all illusions.
- It destroys all concepts, even the Dharma itself.
- It reveals that true wisdom is beyond cultivation.
- It leads to the ultimate realization: There is nothing to attain, because you are already complete.
As the Dharma King said:
"If you truly understand the Diamond Sutra, you don’t need endless explanations. Just one slap on the table—and you’re free."
Final Thought:
"The Diamond Sutra doesn’t polish your mind—it smashes it to pieces. Only then can you see what was always there."
