Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom
Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom, The
大智度論 (Skt Mahaprajnaparamita-shastra; Chin Ta-chih-tu-lun; Jpn Daichido-ron )
A comprehensive commentary on the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, traditionally attributed to Nagarjuna (c. 150-250). The Sanskrit and Tibetan texts do not exist; only the Chinese version translated in 405 by Kumarajiva is extant. This work explains the concepts of prajna, or wisdom, and shunya, nonsubstantiality. Concerning religious practice, it sets forth the bodhisattva ideal, the six paramitas, and other fundamental Mahayana concepts. The Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom is also regarded as a treasury of Buddhist stories, such as those of the ascetic Aspiration for the Law, King Shibi, and King Universal Brightness. Primarily a commentary on the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, it also incorporates concepts from the Lotus Sutra and other Mahayana sutras. It is highly valued as a reference in the general study of Mahayana thought.
