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THE GREAT PRAJNA PARAMITA SUTRA
The most extensive Buddhist canon ever translated into English, now freely available for every seeker of wisdom.
The Great Prajna Paramita Sutra is the largest canon in Buddhism, spanning approximately five million words across 600 fascicles. Originally translated from Sanskrit into Chinese by the monk Xuanzang between 660 and 663 CE, this monumental text has now been rendered into English in its complete, unabridged form for the first time.
Prajna means wisdom, not merely intellectual knowledge, but the deep understanding of life, existence, and all phenomena. Paramita means ferrying across the ocean of suffering to reach the shore of liberation and happiness. Together, prajna paramita represents the highest wisdom, described in this sutra as the mother of all Buddhas.
This sutra encompasses the Diamond Sutra and the Heart Sutra, among many other teachings, delivered by the Buddha across 16 assemblies over 22 years. It guides bodhisattvas through the complete path of cultivation, from the practice of the six paramitas to the attainment of perfect and universal enlightenment, offering a timeless roadmap for all who aspire toward Buddhahood.
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BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY INTO WISDOM
The Great Prajna Paramita Sutra is one of the most profound and expansive scriptures in the Buddhist tradition. Translated into English by Naichen Chen from Master Xuanzang’s Chinese version, this complete 600-fascicle work is offered here in 30 volumes, freely available for your study, reflection, and practice.
Volume 1 | Fascicles 1-20
Sets the foundation of the sutra, opening with the sacred assembly and its causes, then guiding the reader through the practice of contemplation, the path of Prajna Paramita, the teachings on rebirth, and the virtues and cautions essential to the journey.
Volume 2 | Fascicles 21-40
Continues the extensive teachings on cautions and right learning, then introduces pivotal chapters on non-dwelling, encouraging others to practice, and the observable phenomena that arise through sincere Prajna practice.
Volume 3 | Fascicles 41-60
Explores the nature of the Bodhisattva and Mahasattva through rich similes and teachings, moving into the armor and defense of the Large Vehicle (Mahayana), and closing with a celebration of its virtues.
Volume 4 | Fascicles 61-80
Deepens the Mahayana teachings through chapters on nonattainment, contemplations on action, nonarising, and the path of purification, concluding with teachings centered on the role of the Heavenly Emperor.
Volume 6 | Fascicles 101-120
Continues from the deep meditative states of absorption introduced in Volume 5, then transitions into one of the sutra’s most expansive teachings: a thorough and detailed assessment of the merits and virtues accumulated through Prajna practice.
Volume 7 | Fascicles 121-140
Devoted entirely to the ongoing exploration of merits and virtues, this volume reflects the profound depth of Chapter 30, walking the reader through section after section of its far-reaching teachings on the rewards of sincere practice.
Volume 8 | Fascicles 141-160
Continues the extensive teachings of Chapter 30 on assessing merits and virtues, covering sections 39 through 58. This volume illustrates just how central the cultivation of virtue is to the path of Prajna Paramita.
Volume 9 | Fascicles 161-180
Brings Chapter 30 to its conclusion, then opens into two uplifting chapters: Joyful Participation and Transference, which explores the sharing of merit with all beings, followed by the beginning of Praising the Prajna.
Volume 10 | Fascicles 181-200
Opens with the conclusion of Praising the Prajna and a sobering chapter on Slandering Prajna, then moves into one of the sutra’s most thought-provoking teachings: Being Difficult to Believe and Understand, a chapter that spans the remainder of this volume across 19 sections.