Vajra Sutra - A Detailed Exposition by His Holiness Living Buddha Lian-Sheng 

Homage to the most precious Root Guru, the embodiment of all dharma realms. 

Homage to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. 

Translator’s Preface 

The Diamond Sutra! Why is it also called the Vajra Sutra? What happened? Is it because the full name of the sutra is Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita Sutra, and it was shortened to Vajra Sutra? Yes and no. 

The title Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita Sutra means the profound teaching of the Buddha on the indestructible wisdom that annihilates everything and enables supreme perfect attainment. It is the king of sutras. 

Nowadays, many people are acquainted with the term Vajra. But what does “Vajra” really mean? Vajra was a weapon in ancient India that was unbreakable and could destroy anything. Vajra symbolizes this sutra, which reveals the indestructible truth that destroys everything—our views, our minds, our attachments, our worlds and everything else. 

“The Vajra Sutra destroys everything!”  

This daunting statement—first revealed by the spiritual leader and lineage root guru of the True Buddha School, H.H. Living Buddha Lian-Sheng—is earth-shattering! H.H. Living Buddha Lian-Sheng is the one and only Buddhist teacher in the world to ever make such a bold statement. So why did he declare that the essence of the Vajra Sutra is to destroy everything? 

Does this mean we will also be destroyed? We know we will eventually die, and that our family, houses, cars and money will also be gone one day. Our views and thoughts also change with time. Worlds, the earth and the universe have all undergone many transformations. 

Living Buddha Lian-Sheng challenges us to think beyond our normal mindset. What does it mean to be good or bad? The Vajra Sutra states that everything, whether good or bad, will be annihilated. If you understand this statement, you have grasped the meaning of the Vajra Sutra. Even if you understand the essence of the Vajra Sutra, his discourse still contains many new and astounding revelations. Unique and profound, light and humorous, it is rich with liberating anecdotes. It is a precious jewel in this dharma-ending age. Ripe spiritual minds are destined to gain liberation and attain perfect enlightenment. The Vajra Sutra can only be explained by one who has reached perfect understanding of the Truth, and His Holiness is one of them. 

His Holiness attained the ultimate perfect enlightenment of anuttara samyaksambodhi through half a century of arduous practice spanning Christianity, Taoism, Zen, Mahayana Buddhism and Tantrayana Buddhism. He integrated these various teachings into extremely effective, simple and brief practices especially well-suited for modern spiritual seekers. His teachings are known as the True Buddha Tantric Dharma. By practicing these teachings, his millions of followers have experienced profound spiritual attainment and fruition. He is venerated as a Living Buddha by countless rinpoches, and his disciples address him fondly as Grandmaster Lu or Shizun. 

His perfect embodiment of the dharma realms enables him to transcend the ordinary in a way that is inconceivable to common people. He is White Mahapadmakumara in human form, an emanation of Amitabha Buddha. He had also been reincarnated as prominent gurus and mahasiddhas in his past lives. The profundity of his sublime realization empowers him to present the teachings of the Buddha in a new light, as if he is “re-packaging” the authentic Buddhadharma for modern times. He has written 285 books and continues to write and teach every day. His vow to liberate every sentient being at the cost of his own life manifests powerfully in his compassion and wisdom. 

The Vajra Sutra has been translated into English numerous times by notable experts around the world and has been translated into many different languages over the centuries. This humble translator learns from all her predecessors and peers. She has strived to faithfully present the teachings of His Holiness. In this exposition of the Vajra Sutra, she intends to use new terms in place of some familiar terminology to reflect her root guru’s profound understanding and simple explanation. She takes full responsibility for any defects in her interpretation, transcription or translation, and only prays that any mistakes will be repaired by the power of blessings from our accomplished guru who transcends words and language to reach his earnest disciples and bring complete understanding. After all, these teachings are but a tool, and a tool or a raft must be discarded upon reaching the other shore. 

May all sentient beings attain higher understanding and gain liberation. 

Om Guru Lian-Sheng Siddhi Hum 

Next discourse on the Vajra Sutra: Prologue, 24 July 2021

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