Diamond Sutra Interpretation

The "Diamond Sutra" is one of the core scriptures, fully titled "Diamond Prajnaparamita Sutra," which opens enlightenment through the wisdom of 'emptiness.' Its core ideas can be summarized as follows:

1. Core Essentials

1. Breaking Form to Reveal Emptiness

"All forms are illusions": All phenomena (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touches, and concepts) arise from conditions and are inherently impermanent and without self-nature; attachment to forms leads to suffering.

"One should give rise to the mind without attachment": The mind should not cling to any concepts, objects, or outcomes in order to perceive the truth.

2. No Self, No Gain

"No self-form, no person-form, no sentient-being form, no lifespan form": This breaks the attachment to the 'self' and dissolves the duality of subject and object.

"Even the Dharma should be let go, what more of non-Dharma": Even the teachings of the Buddha should not be clung to as real, transcending conceptual limitations.

3. Prajna Wisdom

"All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows": Using the 'emptiness view' to perceive the world, like observing the moon in water or flowers in a mirror, without falling into the extremes (emptiness and existence, right and wrong).

2. Practical Significance

1. Transcending Suffering: Attachment to 'forms' such as wealth, emotions, and identity is the root of suffering. The sutra reveals that facing impermanence with a 'non-attachment' heart brings great freedom.

2. Equality of Nature: Eliminating the distinction between 'self' and 'others,' all beings inherently possess Buddha-nature, without distinctions of high and low.

3. Philosophy of Action: Although knowing that all is illusion, one still acts with compassion ("Cultivate all good deeds"), but does not cling to merit.

3. Memorable Quotes

"The past mind cannot be obtained, the present mind cannot be obtained, the future mind cannot be obtained"

Thoughts arise and perish in an instant; pursuing the 'three minds' is like chasing the wind.

"If one sees me through form, or seeks me through sound, such a person is on the wrong path and cannot see the Tathagata"

Buddha-nature is formless and shapeless; seeking outward is ultimately a misguided journey.

4. Insights for Practice

The "Diamond Sutra" is not philosophical speculation but a practical guide:

Observation: Be aware of attachments in daily life, like clouds dispersing to reveal the moon.

Letting Go: Do not resist change; accept the natural law of 'arising, abiding, decaying, and emptying.'

Compassion: Arise unconditional altruistic intentions within 'emptiness.'

In summary: "One should give rise to the mind without attachment"—only with a mind free of obstacles can one attain pure wisdom.