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Buddhists/Diamond Sutra

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Expert: - 12/6/2008


Question
In the diamond sutra Buddha explains that when infinite amount of sentient beings have been liberated, then truly no sentient being has been liberated.  It is my (limited) understanding that this is because of the concept of the emptyness of all form.  

If this is true, why do Mahayana Buddhist Monks declare every morning that, "there are infinite amounts of sentient beings, it is our vow to liberate them all?"  Don't they agree with Buddha that there really are no sentient beings to be liberated?

Is this a case of following the middle way?  Of being between form and emptyness.  Hmmm, I'm a little confused.

Answer
Hi Ian,

Thank you for asking me.

Actually I follow the Theravada tradition. The Diamond Sutra is found in the Mahayana tradition.  

Your first sentence seems contradictory. "infinite amount of sentient beings have been liberated", and then "truly no sentient being has been liberated."  Frankly, I don't understand.

"Hmmm, I'm a little confused."

Yes, I too!

Sorry I can't comment any further.

Justin Choo.

[I like to invite you to visit my blog:]
http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/

[And these sites by Rev. Dhammika:]
http://sdhammika.blogspot.com/
http://www.buddhismatoz.com/

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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