The Sutra of perfect enlightenment
Subtitle: Korean Buddhism's guide to meditation ; with commentary by the Sŏn Monk Kihwa
By: translated and with an introduction by A Charles Muller.
Contributors: Muller, A. Charles, 1953-; Kihwa, 1376-1433.
Series: SUNY series in Korean studies
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Albany
Language: eng
Number of pages: 329
Description: The Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment, used in monastic education for more than a millennium, is a concise guide to the key paradigms of the practice systems of the East Asian meditational schools (Ch'an, Son, and Zen).

Contained in its twelve chapters are definitive explanations of the meaning of innate and actualized enlightenment, sudden and gradual enlightenment, the true nature of ignorance and suffering, along with numerous examples of methods of contemplation that accord with and reflect the basic Ch'an views on enlightenment and practice. Although the Sutra was popular throughout the EastAsian region, it attained its highest canonical status within the Korean Chogye school, where it is still a key text in the core curriculum of modern-day monks and nuns.

The Sutra is translated here in full, along with the eloquent and revelatory commentary of the Choson monk Kihwa (1376-1433).
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 307-315) and index.