Buddhist Scriptures
The most beloved sutras and mantras of the Buddhist tradition. Classical Chinese text (public domain) with original English introductions.
Heart Sutra (Prajñāpāramitā Hṛdaya)
般若波罗蜜多心经
The condensed essence of the Prajñāpāramitā teaching: form is emptiness, emptiness is form.
Diamond Sutra (Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra)
金刚般若波罗蜜经
The teaching that cuts through all attachment — "all conditioned things are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow."
Amitābha Sutra (Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra)
佛说阿弥陀经
The shortest of the three Pure Land sutras, describing the bliss of the Western Pure Land and the practice of mindfulness of Amitābha.
Great Compassion Dharani (Nīlakaṇṭha Dhāraṇī)
大悲咒
The 84-line dharani of Avalokiteśvara, recited for protection, healing and the removal of obstacles.
Six-Syllable Mantra (Om Mani Padme Hum)
六字大明咒
The mantra of Avalokiteśvara — the essence of compassion in six syllables.
Dharani for Rebirth in the Pure Land
往生咒
A short dharani recited to dedicate merit and to be born in the Western Pure Land.
Cundi Dharani
准提神咒
The mantra of Cundi Bodhisattva, recited for the fulfillment of sincere wishes.
Medicine Buddha Dharani
药师灌顶真言
The mantra of Bhaiṣajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha, for healing of body and mind.
Dharani of the Seven Buddhas for Purifying Karma
七佛灭罪真言
A dharani invoking seven Buddhas to purify past misdeeds and obstacles.
Mantra to Complete a Recitation
补阙真言
A closing mantra recited to complete and perfect a session of practice.
Heart of the Śūraṅgama Mantra
楞严咒心咒
The heart of the long Śūraṅgama mantra, recited for protection and steadiness of mind.
Medicine Buddha Sutra (Bhaiṣajyaguru Sūtra)
药师琉璃光如来本愿功德经
The twelve great vows of the Medicine Buddha and his radiant Pure Land of healing.
Kṣitigarbha Sutra (Earth Store Bodhisattva)
地藏菩萨本愿经
The vow and past lives of Kṣitigarbha, who vowed to save all beings from the realms of suffering.
Śūraṅgama Sūtra
大佛顶首楞严经
A profound teaching on the true mind, the nature of perception, and the path to awakening.
Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch
六祖坛经
The only Chinese text honored as a sutra — the teaching of Huineng on sudden awakening and the original nature.
Universal Gate of Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin Chapter)
观世音菩萨普门品
The chapter of the Lotus Sutra on Guanyin, who responds to every cry for help.
Sutra of Forty-Two Sections
佛说四十二章经
Forty-two short sayings traditionally regarded as the first sutra translated into Chinese.
Ullambana Sutra (Sutra of the Yulan Bowl)
佛说盂兰盆经
The origin of the Ghost Festival and the practice of dedicating offerings to departed parents.