Toh 34Sūtra of the Great Assembly
Pāli / Sanskrit:Mahāsamayasūtra
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The Sutra of the Great Assembly (Mahāsamayasūtra)
Background
The Sutra of the Great Assembly belongs to the Northern Transmission canon and is preserved in the Kangyur - the collection of Buddhist scriptures translated into Tibetan from Sanskrit and Pali originals. This sutra is one of the important documents of the Mahayana tradition, reflecting the vast gathering of bodhisattvas, devas, protectors of the Dharma, and Dharma generals from different realms.
The title “Mahāsamaya” (Great Assembly) refers to a great gathering - a sacred moment when the Buddha and the noble beings of the three realms converge together. In the Mahayana context, this event is not only historical but also symbolizes the profound connection among worlds, between the human and the supramundane, reflecting the boundlessness of awakening.
Main Content
The Sutra of the Great Assembly recounts the scene of the Buddha, in a state of profound meditative concentration, summoning all noble beings from the ten directions to bear witness and take part in the rite of protecting the Dharma. There appear bodhisattvas from various pure lands - not only from the Saha world, our world of endurance, but from countless other Buddha-fields.
Beings such as the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha, Mañjuśrī, and many other bodhisattvas appear together. Alongside them are other classes of beings: devas from the celestial realms, asuras, sacred animals, and divine protectors entrusted with the task of protecting the Buddha-Dharma. Each brings particular qualities, powers, and vows.
The sutra describes in detail the list of those who take part - an expression of the widespread and open character of the Buddha-Dharma, unrestricted by boundaries or distinctions. This abundant presence affirms that the Buddha-Dharma has cosmic attraction and power, capable of entering the hearts of all kinds of sentient beings.
Practical Meaning
In the Northern Transmission canon, the Sutra of the Great Assembly is not only a historical description but a profound guide to practice.
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