Page 215 - Popular Deities of Chinese Buddhism (Illustrated) and Symbols

he iamond utra

( he ajracchedika-rajna-aramita utra)

is is undoubtedly one of the most popular Sutras among the

Chinese. Almost every Buddhist has heard of or read it, though

the number of those who are able to comprehend its full mean-

ing are very small indeed. It is believed that the merit for those

who assiduously study this doctrine is immeasurable and even

without comprehension of its highest meaning, a measureless

efficacy is ascribed to recitation of the words of this Sutra in

devout faith. is explains for the great popularity of the Sutra

with the people so that almost every Buddhist home has a copy

of it. e most famous amongst all the translations from San-

skrit into Chinese is that of K and here is its version

which was translated by Upasaka Lu Kuan-Yu.

us have I heard. Once upon a time, the Buddha sojourned in

the Jetavana park near Sravasti with an assembly of twelve hun-

dred and fifty bhiksus.

One day, at mealtime, the World Honoured One put on His

robe, took His bowl, and entered the great town of Sravasti to

beg for His food. After He had begged from door to door, He

returned to His place. When He had taken His meal, He put

away His robe and bowl, washed His feet, arranged His seat and

sat down.

At the time, the elder Subhuti who was in the assembly, rose

from his seat, uncovered his right shoulder, knelt upon his right

knee, respectfully joined the palms of his hands and said to the

Buddha: ‘It is very rare, O World Honoured One! how well the

 