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Overview of "The Holy Teaching of Vimalakīrti" by Robert A. F. Thurman

Key Themes:

  1. Mahāyāna Buddhism: The book presents the major teachings of Mahāyāna Buddhism in a precise, dramatic, and even humorous form.
  2. Bodhisattva Path: It explores the bodhisattva path, emphasizing the teachings of Vimalakīrti, an Indian layman considered as enlightened as the Buddha.
  3. Illusion and Reality: The text delves into the concept of illusion and reality, suggesting that both the path to enlightenment and the teachings themselves are illusions, yet necessary for those trapped in delusion.
  4. Compassion and Teaching: It highlights the importance of compassion in teaching, where the act of teaching is seen as a method to help those who think illusion is real, despite the teachings being illusions themselves.

Plot Summary: The book is based on the Vimalakīrti Sutra, a Mahāyāna scripture. The story revolves around the Buddha teaching outside the city of Vaiśālī, while a notable householder, Vimalakīrti, appears to be sick. The Buddha asks his disciples to visit Vimalakīrti, but each of them is reluctant due to their previous encounters with him. Only Mañjuśrī, a bodhisattva, has the courage to visit Vimalakīrti. During their conversations, Vimalakīrti sets out an uncompromising and profound view of the Buddha’s teaching and the bodhisattva path, illustrated by various miraculous displays.

Critical Reception:

  1. Translation Quality: Professor Thurman's translation is praised for its clarity and humor, making the complex teachings of Mahāyāna Buddhism accessible to a broader audience.
  2. Historical Significance: The book is considered a valuable resource for understanding Mahāyāna literature and its teachings, often referred to as the "Jewel of the Mahāyāna Sutras".
  3. Academic Reception: The translation and interpretation by Robert Thurman have been well-received in academic circles for their depth and insight into the Mahāyāna tradition.

Additional Information

  • Publication Details: The book was first published in 2017 by the Pennsylvania State University Press.
  • Format: The paperback edition contains 102 pages, including the classic text, a detailed introduction, epilogue, and three glossaries of terms.
  • Availability: The text is available in various formats, including paperback and PDF, with the latter provided by the 84000 Reading Room under a Creative Commons license.