Abstract

This book consists of a modern Japanese translation and commentary of the "Yuikyōgyō" (one volume; considered a Mahayana scripture, only Kumarajiva's Chinese translation survives, with the Sanskrit and Tibetan versions undiscovered) (the original Chinese text is included at the end). The formal name of the scripture is "Buddha's Brief Teachings and Admonitions on His Passing Through Nirvana." This "Yuikyōgyō" is classified as a Mahayana Nirvana scripture and is narrated in the setting of "the final teachings that Shakyamuni Buddha delivered before his death." A characteristic of these "final teachings" is that they carefully explain the "Eight Great Awakenings" (eight things that Buddhists should attain—moderate desire, contentment, tranquility, right mindfulness, right concentration, diligence, right wisdom, and non-argumentation), which are also expounded in the Pali scriptures. These "Eight Great Awakenings" are more concrete and practical than the "Eightfold Path" and serve as a guide for Buddhists. In the time of Buddha and in the present day, it is impossible for us humans to avoid hardship and suffering while living in this world. Nevertheless, the Sutra of the Buddha's Last Teachings teaches that we can survive by practicing the Eight Great Awakenings little by little. How should we practice these Eight Great Awakenings? The author, who has experience as a working professional and is currently the head priest of a Zen temple and a researcher of Buddhist studies, carefully explains this, sometimes drawing on his own experiences.

Author’s Information

Born in Minakami-machi, Gunma Prefecture. A Soto Zen Buddhist nun. Graduated from Waseda University's Faculty of Education. Ordained under Abbot Asada Daisen of Jōkūin Temple in Saitama Prefecture. Received Dharma transmission from Abbot Yogo Suigan, the 18th head priest of Saijōji Temple in Kanagawa Prefecture. After her master's passing, she enrolled at Komazawa University, completed the doctoral program in Buddhist Studies at the Graduate School of Humanities, and then became a researcher in the Department of Buddhist Studies at the Soto Zen Comprehensive Research Center. Currently, she is the head priest of Kichijōin Temple in Saitama Prefecture, a part-time lecturer at Hase-dera Temple (Tokyo branch of Eiheiji Temple), and the 19th head of the Soto Zen Buddhist Nun Order.
Her published works include "Annotated Complete Works of Zen Sayings of the Soto School - Medieval Period, Volume 8: An Annotated Collection of Sayings of Zen Master Ki no Iban" (co-edited with Yasuhiro Kawai, Shikisha, 2006), "Clouds, Wind, and Moon - A Nun's Record of Offerings" (Chuokoron Business Publishing, 2009), "Biographies of Chinese Zen Masters" (Soto School Administrative Office, 2011), "Commentary on 'Shushogi' - Learning the Human Path from Zen Master Dogen" (Kosei Publishing, 2016), and "Preserving Zen Master Dogen's True Poems" in "Various Issues in the Study of Zen Master Dogen - Focusing on Modern Sectarian Debates" (supervised by Yasutaka Tsunoda, Shunjusha, 2017).