On the morning of March 14, the ninth session of the "Zhi Jiang Wen Dao" (Exploring the Way along Zhijiang) – Prajna Lecture Hall, organized by the Zhejiang Buddhist Association – commenced at the Association's headquarters. Venerable Guangquan, the President of Zhejiang Buddhist Association and the Abbot of Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, delivered a lecture titled "The Main Ideas of The Diamond Sutra." The lecture was hosted by Master Yuntong, the Deputy Director of the Education and Training Department of the Association.
Venerable Guangquan discussed the influence of The Diamond Sutra in both religious and academic circles, explaining the meaning of the title of this classic and introducing its translators. He provided an overview of the sutra's thematic analysis, outlined the reasons for its recitation, and elaborated on its contemporary significance.
Venerable Guangquan pointed out that the Prajna scriptures are rich in theoretical content, addressing numerous issues and having a profound and long-lasting impact. Among them, The Diamond Sutra stands out as the most well-known, being a concise text that is the most widely circulated and frequently recited scripture with the greatest influence in Chinese Buddhism.
He also emphasized that implementing strict educational practices, strengthening self-development, and cultivating a positive Buddhist atmosphere are essential guarantees for the transmission of Buddhist teachings. All Buddhists should take responsibility for carrying on the Buddha's teachings, nurturing good moral conduct, promoting righteousness, and fostering the healthy development of Buddhism. Additionally, there should be a strong promotion of traditional Chinese virtues, inspiring the faithful to become advocates, promoters, practitioners, and exemplars of frugality and restraint. He hopes that everyone can recognize their true nature through The Diamond Sutra and attain perfect and supreme enlightenment.
