Platform Sutra

The Platform Sutra, also known as the "Platform Sūtra of the Sixth Patriarch," is an important book in Buddhism, especially in the Zen tradition. It tells the story of Huineng, who became the Sixth Patriarch of Chan Buddhism. Huineng was an ordinary person, not educated or wealthy, but he became enlightened when he heard a special verse from the Fifth Patriarch, Hongren.

The story goes like this: The Fifth Patriarch recognized Huineng's deep understanding of Buddhism, even though Huineng couldn't read or write. Instead of having a public competition, the traditional way to choose a new leader, the Fifth Patriarch secretly passed on his teachings to Huineng.

The main idea in the Platform Sutra is about getting enlightened right away instead of slowly over time. Huineng teaches that everyone, no matter their background, has the potential to become enlightened. He believes it can happen suddenly without needing lots of rituals or long processes. He thought that understanding our own minds and seeing their true nature was the key to freedom.

The Platform Sutra is written like a series of talks that Huineng gave to his followers. He covers different topics, like the nature of the mind, the illusion of distinctions, and the importance of wisdom and compassion on the path to enlightenment. Huineng also instructs practitioners on how to quiet the mind and directly experience reality, emphasizing the here-and-now over theoretical or intellectual understanding.

This text is significant in Zen Buddhism, especially in East Asia. It continues to inspire people on the Zen path. It teaches them about the essence of Zen teachings and how to directly realize their true nature. The Platform Sutra remains a valuable guide for those seeking a deeper understanding of Chan Buddhism and the way to enlightenment.

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Platform-Sutra-Zen-Teaching-Hui-neng/dp/1593761775

Link to read: https://terebess.hu/zen/platform-sutra.pdf