Toh 24The Perfection of Wisdom in Seven Hundred Lines
Pāli / Sanskrit:Saptaśatikāprajñāpāramitā
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Commentary on the Perfection of Wisdom Sūtra in Three Hundred and Seventy Lines
(Saptaśatikāprajñāpāramitā Sūtra)
Context
The Perfection of Wisdom Sūtra in Three Hundred and Seventy Lines (Saptaśatikāprajñāpāramitā) is one of the scriptures belonging to the Prajnaparamita collection, a central body of scriptures in the Mahayana tradition, and especially important in the Northern Canon. The Prajnaparamita collection includes many works of varying length, from long versions such as the “Great Perfection of Wisdom” to shorter versions such as this scripture, yet all convey the same profound core of the teachings.
The scripture is regarded as a teaching of Buddha Śākyamuni at Vulture Peak (Gṛdhrakūṭa), where he often taught the most exalted Dharma methods concerning supreme wisdom (prajñāpāramitā). It is called “Three Hundred and Seventy Lines” because of its concise structure, easy to remember and suitable for monastics who wish to grasp the essential seed of prajna within limited time.
Main Content
This scripture focuses on the proclamation of the Wisdom of Prajnaparamita, translated as “the perfection of wisdom,” meaning the supreme path for transcending suffering. Unlike other Prajnaparamita scriptures, this version emphasizes the unreality of phenomena (śūnyatā).
According to Mahayana doctrine, all dharmas lack a fixed essence (svabhāva), including the Four Noble Truths, the stages of Brahmā, and even buddhahood. These concepts should not be constrained by attachment: this is the core of “nonknowledge” (ajñāna) and “the conduct of nonarising” (anutpādacaryā). The scripture teaches that those who practice prajna must generate bodhicitta and practice the Six Perfections (pāramitā): generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, meditative concentration, and wisdom.
Precisely because there is no distinction between the subject who practices, the dharma being practiced, and the fruit attained, the monastic truly proceeds toward nirvana without remainder (anupadhiśeṣa-nirvāṇa). This is the method of “nonattainment” (anabhinirhāra), that is, not clinging to any accomplishment whatsoever.
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