Complete Enlightenment: Zen Comments on the Sutra of Complete Enlightenment

This book explains with great depth and insight the specific words from one of the main sutras (the words of Buddha) in the Mahayana tradition. I find this book has brought a lot of balance and insight into my understanding of Buddhism, especially the teachings about bodhisattvahood.

This is the definitive translation of one of the most important sutras in the Mahayana literature. A previous translation by Charles Luk and published through Samuel Weiser did not capture some of the nuances and depths that the current version portrays. The translator, Ven. Guo-Gu Shi, did a wonderful job. Cultivators who do not practice will have a hard time understanding the importance of this Sutra. However, for serious cultivators, this Sutra provides important and step-by-step guideposts that are critical for one's own verification and further progression. This Sutra will have to be studied many times until its meaning can be completely digested. Master Sheng-yen's commentary is given in simple laymen's language and is a joy to read. In the past few years Master Sheng-yen has clearly emerged as one of the main masters of Ch'an (Zen) in the Western world.

It is rare to find such clarity in Buddhist teachings from a contemporary master. Most books out there on Buddhist practice lack depth. From the advice and viewpoint presented in this book, it really seems like Master Sheng-yen practice what he preaches.Furthermore, this book is also a translation of a sutra. This is a necessity for the current Western Buddhist movement--we need more translations of Buddhist text with authoritative translations. The book is a commentary on The Sutra of Complete Enlightenment. The sutra consist of 12 bodhisattvas [enlightened being] questioning the Buddha on some very interesting questions. Each bodhisattva represents a stage on practice and each question the Buddha on a series of questions in accordance to that stage of practice. Some of the interesting questions are, "If we are originally Buddha's, what caused us to become ordinary sentient beings?" or "If we reach Buddhahood, will we return to being ordinary sentient being again?"The questions posed by these bodhisattvas are also heavily practice oriented, such as "what should a beginner so as to gain an entry into the realm of Complete Enlightenment?"The commentary by Master Sheng-yen deals with the sutra from the point of view of Chan practice. His examples are down to earth and his advice useful in daily life.Another interesting thing I find with Master Sheng-yen's teaching is that, through his writing, he seems to be very honest and down to earth, backed-up with real experience. For this reason, Buddhist practitioners, no matter what tradition he or she may be from, can benefit. His words are "alive" rather than just a lot of repeats and fancy spiritual jargon.If you like this book, you will also like his other books.

The translation and Master Sheng Yen's commentary on the Buddha Shakyamuni's 'Sutra of Complete Enlightenment' is a most readable and inspiring book. I read this book from cover to cover 3 times continuously over an 8 months period. At each reading, more layers of 'the onion skin' of the delusive mind fell away. (Unfortunately, judging by the quantity of tears, it seems to be a mighty big onion! I Intend to read this book many, many more times.)Master Sheng-yen's commentaries bring the Buddha's teachings into one's immediate presence and with them, practical guidance which is necessary should one wish to cross the ocean of suffering. He elucidates many of the side-tracks and pitfalls that can snare the most earnest wayfarer and this guidance is presented in a most direct and unassuming way.Endless volumes have been written about 'Enlightenment', 'Sartori', 'Kensho' etc. and it is unfortunately too easy to become attached to a limited understanding of the moon that these conceptual fingers point to. Now at last there is an opportunity to read, study and contemplate 'enlightenment' that comes directly from its source.