Deconstructing Yourself Practicing the Diamond Sutra with Ken McLeod
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Jul 24, 2024 Buddhist teacher Ken McLeod discusses the significance of the Diamond Sutra, exploring translation challenges and ancient texts. He emphasizes embodying spiritual practice, daily mindfulness, and engaging with the sutra through oral recitation. The episode also includes announcements of meditation retreats and ways to support the podcast.
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Early Expression of Emptiness
- The Diamond Sutra, an early Mahayana Buddhist text, is surprisingly evocative and powerful.
- It effectively conveys the essence of emptiness, even without using the term explicitly.
Translation Philosophy
- Ken McLeod prefers translating Buddhist texts into ordinary English, avoiding "Bundlish."
- He aims for clarity and evocative language, citing Emily Wilson's translations of Homer as inspiration.
The Nature of Sutras
- Sutras, meaning "to join," represent the meeting of student and teacher minds.
- This interaction fosters "real learning," as both step outside their preconceptions into a shared, unknown space.