The Diamond Sutra

The Diamond Sutra, one of the most revered texts in Mahayana Buddhism, is a profound discourse on the nature of reality, wisdom, and non-attachment. Its full title, The Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra, translates to "The Diamond Cutter Perfection of Wisdom," symbolizing its ability to cut through illusions and delusions like a diamond. Highly metaphorical and poetic, the Diamond Sutra serves as a guide for those seeking to transcend dualistic thinking and awaken to the truth of interconnectedness and the boundless nature of reality.

Practicing compassion and charity without attachment is the way to reach the highest perfect wisdom, the way to become a living Buddha. 

Anyone who seeks Enlightenment should discard not only all conceptions of their own selfhood, of other people, and of a universal self, but they should also discard all notions of the non-existence of their own selfhood, of other selves, and of a universal self. People should remember the unreality of all such concepts and ideas.

The truth of the teachings that I have spoken of cannot be described. The truth in them is uncontainable and inexpressible. It neither is, nor is not. 

Even as I speak, I must take back my words as soon as they are uttered, for there are no Buddhas and there are no teachings. 

A true disciple entering the stream would not think of themselves as a separate person that could be entering anything. Only that disciple who does not differentiate themselves from others, who has no regard for names, shapes, or any quality at all, can truly be called a stream enterer. Likewise, if a Perfectly Enlightened Buddha were to say to himself, 'I am enlightened", he would be admitting there is an individual person, a separate self, and would therefore not be a Perfectly Enlightened Buddha. 

A disciple should develop a mind which does not rely on anything. Purified of all thoughts that relate to seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, touching, and discriminating. They should use their minds spontaneously and naturally, without being constrained by preconceived notions arising from the senses.

Buddhas are Buddhas because they have been able to discard all arbitrary conceptions of form and phenomena. They have transcended all perceptions, and have penetrated the illusion of all forms. If a disciple's mind depends upon anything in the sensory realm it will have no solid foundation in reality. Practice compassion and charity for the welfare of all living beings without relying on appearances and without attachment.

A true disciple knows that there is no such thing as a self, a person, a living being, or a universal self. A true disciple knows that all things are devoid of selfhood, devoid of any separate individuality. Even such a thing called "a disciple" is non-existent. Furthermore, there is nothing for a disciple to liberate. 

If someone says the Buddha has spoken spiritual truths, he slanders the Buddha due to his inability to understand. As to speaking the truth, no truth can be spoken. Even the words "Perfect Enlightenment" are merely words. They are used merely as figures of speech. 

There is no distinction between one's self and the selfhood of others. Practice charity not only by giving gifts but through kindness and sympathy. Practice kindness and charity without attachment and you will become enlightened. 

Do not say that the Buddha has held the idea, "I will lead all sentient beings to Nirvana." Do not think that way. In truth there is not a single being for the Buddha to lead anywhere. If the Buddha were to think that way, he would be caught in ideas of a self, a person, and a living being. ..

Spiritual truths have no more reality than matter or phenomena. 

Relate to this fleeting world and all conditioned existence as if it were nothing but a magical illusion, a flash of lightning, a shadow, a phantom, or a dream.