A summary of the Diamond Sutra

The Diamond Sutra recounts a conversation between the Buddha and his disciple Subhuti in the Jeta Grove. Subhuti asks the Buddha how Bodhisattvas, those who seek enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, should progress on their path and manage their thoughts.

The Buddha’s response forms the heart of the Diamond Sutra, exploring the nature of reality, self, and enlightenment. He emphasizes that a true Bodhisattva practices virtue without attachment to sensory experiences or external forms. This detachment, he explains, is crucial because clinging to appearances leads to delusion.

The Buddha then discusses the nature of the Tathagata, a term synonymous with Buddha, stating that the Tathagata cannot be grasped through any phenomenal attribute. To illustrate this point, the Buddha uses a series of negations, asserting that concepts like “being,” “self,” “dharma,” and even “Nirvana” are ultimately empty of inherent existence.

To guide Subhuti further, the Buddha engages in a series of dialogues that highlight the paradoxical nature of enlightenment. He explains that a true follower should not cling to the idea of attaining any specific state or fruit of enlightenment, such as “entering the stream” or achieving “full enlightenment”. Clinging to such notions, even positive ones, indicates a persistent attachment to the illusion of self.

The Buddha reinforces this point by stating that he himself has not attained any dharma (teaching or truth) from any enlightened being. This statement emphasizes that enlightenment is not a thing to be gained or possessed; it is the realization of the ultimate emptiness of all phenomena, including the self. The Diamond Sutra uses the phrase “not…even though it is called” to emphasize the limitations of language in describing the true nature of reality.

The Diamond Sutra culminates with the Buddha urging his followers to share these teachings with others. He emphasizes that true understanding involves recognizing the emptiness of all dharmas, including the teachings themselves. He assures his listeners that those who hear, remember, and share these teachings will accumulate immeasurable merit. This merit, he explains, stems from aligning oneself with the true nature of reality, which is beyond grasping and conceptualization.

Here are the main teachings of the Diamond Sutra concerning the nature of reality, existence, and the self:

• The Nature of a Bodhisattva: The Diamond Sutra emphasizes that a true Bodhisattva, an individual on the path to enlightenment, should not be attached to appearances or external forms when practicing virtue. They should act without attachment to sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touch, or mental attachments. This detachment stems from understanding that clinging to such sensory experiences hinders spiritual progress.
• Understanding the Tathagata: The Diamond Sutra asserts that the Tathagata, another term for Buddha, cannot be recognized by any phenomenal attribute because the possession of such attributes indicates delusion. The true nature of the Tathagata lies in being free from such attributes and, therefore, free from delusion.
• Impermanence of Dharma: The Diamond Sutra highlights the concept that even dharma, often translated as the teachings of the Buddha or the path to enlightenment, should not be clung to as a fixed entity. It is compared to a raft, helpful for crossing a river (reaching enlightenment) but unnecessary once the other shore is reached. This emphasizes the impermanence of even seemingly positive or helpful concepts on the path to enlightenment.
• Non-Attachment to Self: The Diamond Sutra underscores the idea that a true follower should abandon the concept of self, separate entity, soul, or personality. This means transcending the illusion of a separate “I” and recognizing the interconnectedness of all things.
• The Illusion of Existence and Non-Existence: The Diamond Sutra stresses that clinging to notions of existence and non-existence is a form of delusion. True understanding lies in recognizing that these concepts are ultimately empty and do not reflect the true nature of reality.
• The True Nature of Reality: The Diamond Sutra repeatedly uses the phrase “not… even though it is called…” to deconstruct common understandings of reality. This suggests that language and concepts are limited tools that cannot fully encapsulate the true nature of things.
• True Perception: Subhuti, a disciple of the Buddha, states that true perception is in fact no perception. This paradoxical statement indicates that genuine understanding transcends the limitations of ordinary perception, which is often clouded by our preconceived notions and attachments.

In summary, the Diamond Sutra encourages us to let go of fixed concepts, attachments, and perceptions to experience the true nature of reality, which is beyond dualistic thinking and ultimately empty of inherent existence. By relinquishing the illusion of a separate self, we can cultivate wisdom and compassion and move towards enlightenment.