DESCENT FROM TUSHITA: Diamond Cutter Sutra and Speech Blessing

We will chant the Heart Sutra to begin, and then do short meditation on cleansing body, speech and mind, and finish with the Diamond Cutter Sutra. Join us on one of the most special Buddha Days in the year, known as Descent From Tushita. Reciting these profound words plants the seeds of wisdom, that are nurtured by the magnifying power of this holy Buddha day.

This short sutra cuts through the very root of all confusion and suffering, and is the essence of the Buddhist view. It is one of the most well-known sutras of Mahayana Buddhism, framed as a discourse on the Buddhist concept of emptiness, the ‘wisdom gone beyond’.

Composed as a lively conversation between the Buddha and Subhuti, this text illustrates again and again the emptiness of inherent existence. Almost lost to civilisation, it was re-discovered in caves in the late 1800’s and only fully translated just a short decade ago.

The recitation helps to purify one’s speech, calm and harmonise the mind, and bring the blessings of all the wisdom of the Buddhas. By reciting we remove obstacles and gather the energy and resources to be able to continue our study and generate realisations in the mind. We will also offer delicious chai, and there is a chance to make personal dedications.