The Diamond Sutra: Chapter 1 – The Setting of the Dharma Assembly

"Thus Have I Heard": The Conditions for Teaching the Diamond Sutra

The Dharma King began by explaining the opening of the Diamond Sutra (Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra):

"Thus have I heard..."

This phrase signifies that the teachings were faithfully recorded by Ānanda, the Buddha’s attendant. But before the Buddha spoke this sutra, certain conditions had to be met:

1. The Speaker: Śākyamuni Buddha

• The primary teacher of the sutra.
• Most of the Buddha’s teachings were given in dialogue form—disciples asked questions, and He responded.

2. The Questioner: Subhūti (解空第一 - "Foremost in Understanding Emptiness")

• Among the Buddha’s Ten Great Disciples, Subhūti was "Foremost in Understanding Emptiness".
• Since the Diamond Sutra deals with ultimate reality (śūnyatā), it was fitting that Subhūti asked the questions.
• (Compare: Śāriputra was "Foremost in Wisdom," Maudgalyāyana in "Supernormal Powers.")

3. The Location: Jetavana Grove (祇園精舍)

The Buddha frequently taught at three key places:

1. Vulture Peak (靈鷲山) – Where many Mahāyāna sutras were spoken.
2. Bamboo Grove Monastery (竹林精舍) – One of the first Buddhist monasteries.
3. Jetavana Grove (祇園精舍) – Where the Diamond Sutra was delivered.

The Story Behind the Assembly: Why Subhūti?

The Dharma King shared a profound story:

• Once, the Buddha ascended to the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven (忉利天) to teach the Ksitigarbha Sutra to His mother, Queen Māyā.
• When He returned, the disciples rushed to welcome Him.
• Utpalavarṇā (蓮華色比丘尼), the "Most Beautiful Nun," arrived first and proudly declared: "I am the first to greet the Buddha!"
• But the Buddha said: "No, it was Subhūti."

Why?

• Subhūti did not physically go to greet the Buddha.
• Instead, he meditated on emptiness, realizing that the Buddha’s true nature is beyond form.
• Thus, he "welcomed" the Buddha through wisdom, not physical presence.

Lesson: True Dharma understanding transcends outward rituals—it is about direct insight into emptiness.

The Scene at Jetavana Grove

The sutra describes a simple daily routine:

• 1,250+ monks gathered after their alms rounds.
• They ate, put away their bowls, washed their feet, and sat down.
• The Buddha also finished His meal, sat, and prepared to teach.

But is this just a mundane description?

• The Dharma King hinted: "There are deeper meanings here."
• Even ordinary actions—eating, sitting, washing feet—symbolize:
  • Letting go of attachments (alms begging = non-attachment to food).
  • Purification (washing feet = cleansing worldly dust).
  • Stillness before wisdom (sitting = preparing the mind for emptiness).

Key Takeaways from Chapter 1

1. The Right Questioner Matters

   • The Diamond Sutra’s profound wisdom required Subhūti’s deep understanding of emptiness.

2. True Welcome is Beyond Form

   • Subhūti "welcomed" the Buddha through meditation, not physical presence.

3. Ordinary Actions Hold Deeper Meaning

   • Even eating and washing feet symbolize detachment and purification.

Next Week’s Preview: The Buddha’s Daily Life & Hidden Symbolism

The Dharma King teased:

"The sutra describes the Buddha’s daily routine, but there’s much more beneath the surface. Next week, I’ll reveal the hidden meanings."

Reflection Question:
If "welcoming the Buddha" doesn’t require physical presence, how else might we "meet" the Dharma in our daily lives?