The Perfection of Wisdom, Illustrated with Ancient Sanskrit Manuscripts
by R. C. Jamieson

List Price: $19.95
Category: Book
See more book details and other editions

or

Compare Prices for The Perfection of Wisdom, Illustrated with Ancient Sanskrit Manuscripts

Book Summary Information

Book Reviews of The Perfection of Wisdom, Illustrated with Ancient Sanskrit Manuscripts

Book Review: Gorgeously illustrated introduction to "Emptiness"
Summary: 5 Stars

Basically, the concept of "no-self" states that no one has an absolute or fixed "self" because the five aggregates that collectively make up an individual is ever changing i.e. a person changes from moment to moment and is never the same "self" yesterday, today or tomorrow. Since the "self" is an illusion, the clinging of the "self" to pleasant things (belongings, fame, pleasure, etc.) can be ended. Likewise, the tendency of the "self" to avoid unpleasant things (criticism, pain, discomfort, etc.) can also be ended. Complete equanimity can be achieved, leading to the cessation of desire and to the achievement of Nirvana (release from existence i.e. Samsara, the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth).

The Perfection of Wisdom texts go further and propose that all of existence is itself empty i.e. everything we experience here in this world, in this universe, is nothing but an illusion - everything is essentially void. Since existence is itself void, Nirvana is therefore no different from Samsara. As the Heart Sutra explains, "There is no suffering, origin, cessation or path; no exalted wisdom, no attainment and also no non-attainment. Therefore, because there is no attainment, all bodhisattvas rely on and abide in the perfection of wisdom; their minds have no obstructions and no fear." The obsession with attaining Nirvana can itself obstruct our view of the truth that Nirvana is here with us because such obsession is itself a form of clinging. Thus, only those who can see the true nature of all existence can be free from fear.

Richly illustrated with pictures of the historical Buddha as well as various Bodhisattvas from ancient texts, this book is a worthy addition to any library.

Religion & Spirituality Books