{"product_id":"the-candrapradipa-samadhi-sutra-alexander-james-oneill-9781739472566","title":"The Candrapradipa Samadhi Sutra: A Translation of the Candrapradipa Samadhi Sutra and its Variants from Chinese","description":"This volume brings together four English translations from the Chinese Buddhist canon, all focused on the teachings of the \u003ci\u003eCandrapradīpa Samādhi Sūtra\u003c\/i\u003e. In the Sanskrit tradition, this text is better known as the \u003ci\u003eSamādhirāja Sūtra\u003c\/i\u003e (\u003ci\u003eKing of Samādhis Sūtra\u003c\/i\u003e). Renowned as one of the most influential Mahāyāna sūtras, this sūtra is revered for its detailed exploration of samādhi and as a foundational scripture for understanding the path and conduct of a bodhisattva. Its importance lies in forming later Mahāyāna philosophy, offering practical and philosophical guidance on wisdom, meditation, and the vision of non-duality central to the bodhisattva ideal. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThis collection is central to early Mahāyāna literature and explores the deep state called the \"samādhi on the equality and non-discrimination of all dharmas.\" It serves as a thorough guide to the bodhisattva path, describing the discipline, patience, and understanding of emptiness needed to realise the awakened qualities of all buddhas. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThese translations aim to make the complex philosophy and rich stories of the sūtras accessible and easy to read. The collection includes: \u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eThe Candrapradīpa Samādhi Sūtra\u003c\/i\u003e (Taishō no. 639): This is the primary text of this volume. Translated by the Indian Trepiṭaka Narendrayaśas in 557 CE, this extensive sūtra explores the nature of samādhi. It describes samādhi as more than meditative concentration, presenting it as the fundamental realisation of emptiness that gives access to the awakened qualities of all buddhas. The text functions as a valuable repository of doctrinal exposition and outlines the conduct, patience, and rigorous moral discipline expected of bodhisattvas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eThe Candraprabha Bodhisattva Sūtra\u003c\/i\u003e (Taishō no. 169): This text, attributed to Upāsaka Zhi Qian in the 3rd Century, is an earlier standalone sūtra closely paralleling Chapter 35 of the main sūtra. It focuses on devotion through the past-life narrative of Princess Jñānāvatī, who sacrifices her own flesh to cure a Dharma teacher, illustrating the realisation of no-self and impermanence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eThe Practice with Ten Aspects for Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva Sūtra\u003c\/i\u003e (Taishō no. 640): This text, probably correctly attributed to the Śrāmaṇa Xiāngōng in the 5th Century, is a standalone sūtra paralleling Chapters 27-29 of the main sūtra. It details the benefits of cultivating the six perfections and explains the merit of resting in the ultimate equality of all dharmas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eA \"Candrapradīpa Samādhi Sūtra\" Fragment\u003c\/i\u003e (Taishō no. 641): This text was spuriously attributed to Śrāmaṇa Xiāngōng. It is traditionally linked to Chapter 24 of the main text, but this fragment does not appear to be connected to the Samādhirāja literature. Instead, it offers a rigorous, repetitive deconstruction of doctrinal frameworks. This style shows the far-reaching influence of \"samādhi\" literature designed for liturgical and contemplative purposes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003eEach of these sūtras is presented with full and detailed introductions and analyses informed by academic research and traditional commentarial literature. In these introductions, readers can expect to find historical context situating each text within the development of Mahāyāna Buddhism, overviews of key doctrinal themes, and summaries of interpretations from both traditional and modern commentators. These sections are intended to equip readers with essential background and interpretive tools before engaging with the translations themselves.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Alexander James O'Neill\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 173947256X\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781739472566\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Dharmakāya Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 03\/23\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 606\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.76lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.00h x 6.00w x 1.35d","brand":"Alexander James O'Neill","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":48874602299647,"sku":"9781739472566","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/the-candrapradipa-samadhi-sutra-alexander-james-oneill-9781739472566","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}