Zen sutra study?

[明安 Myoan]

I've found some sutras that are closely associated with the Zen school. But I'm not sure where to begin. Those I've found are: Lankavatara, Diamond, Vimalakirti, Avatamsaka, Platform, Lotus, Shurangama, Heart.

For someone with familiarity with Zen practice (at home and in zendos) who is interested in deepening compassion and shikantaza practice, are there certain sutras to recommend? I have an inclination towards practical instructions or immediately applicable knowledge, having a poor memory but plenty of patience. I struggle with deep and abstract theories.

Thank you very much!

[zengen]

I've found some sutras that are closely associated with the Zen school. But I'm not sure where to begin. Those I've found are: Lankavatara, Diamond, Vimalakirti, Avatamsaka, Platform, Lotus, Shurangama, Heart.

I would suggest starting out with the Heart and Diamond Sutras.

For someone with familiarity with Zen practice (at home and in zendos) who is interested in deepening compassion and shikantaza practice, are there certain sutras to recommend?

For deepening compassion, I think Lotus Sutra is a must-read as the Sutra teaches Universal Buddhahood for all beings.

I have an inclination towards practical instructions or immediately applicable knowledge, having a poor memory but plenty of patience. I struggle with deep and abstract theories.

For practical instructions, I would recommend the Shurangama Sutra.

[Dan74]

I'd add the Sutra of Complete Enlightenment to the already excellent list.

Some commentaries are really good for relating the meaning to the practice here&now. I'd have to check my bookshelf before giving recommendations, but I really loves Charles Muller's Complete Enlightenment with commentaries by Kihwa, also Red Pine puts a lot into his translation even though the translations themselves are not ideal sometimes. There are various classical commentaries by Han Shan, for instance, I think, also more recently by Hsu Yun and Sheng Yen. They'a all be very worthwhile.

Inspired me to go and dust some of these off !

_/|\_

[Astus]

The Diamond Sutra covers both wisdom and compassion, and it is the basic scripture in the Zen tradition. Whether it is easy or difficult, that's up to you.

As for the list so far I'd like to add the Vajrasamadhi Sutra and the Awakening Faith in Mahayana.

As a template, here is a description of the basic training in the Jogye Order: Monastic Training System of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism

In terms of practical instructions it is the Platform Sutra, the Perfect Enlightenment Sutra, the Shurangama Sutra and the Vajrasamadhi Sutra that stand out, since they are products of East Asian Mahayana. But if you want those that are definitely of Indian origin, go with the Diamond Sutra, the Vimalakirti Sutra, the Manjusri PP Sutra and the Lankavatara Sutra.

Regarding the Lotus and the Avatamsaka, the former one contains little actual teaching, the latter one is very long. The Nirvana Sutra also falls into this category, as it contains some fundamental teachings, but otherwise a long text with so much repetition.

Otherwise, it is recommended to read and study all available scriptures, especially as there are not many of them available in English, and those that are are usually the popular and important ones.

[Nicholas Weeks]

The sutras all given are fine, but if you want 'immediately applicable' teachings try this from a Ch'an Master:

http://www.buddhisttexts.org/ebook---wo ... ctice.html

Also consider these:

http://www.buddhisttexts.org/free-dharma-talks.html

[明安 Myoan]

Thank you all. I've started reciting the Heart Sutra as part of my morning liturgy, since it's short and easily memorized.
I also found "The Diamond That Cuts Through Illusion" by Thich Nhat Hanh, which has the sutra and commentary.

How does everyone approach reading or studying sutras in general?
It seems I could either sit down and read a sutra like any other book, straight through, or form a "relationship" with the sutra, spending time with just a few lines at a time and letting them percolate throughout the day like a koan.

Thanks for your insight and helpful suggestions.

[Johnny Dangerous]

Thank you all. I've started reciting the Heart Sutra as part of my morning liturgy, since it's short and easily memorized.
I also found "The Diamond That Cuts Through Illusion" by Thich Nhat Hanh, which has the sutra and commentary.

How does everyone approach reading or studying sutras in general?
It seems I could either sit down and read a sutra like any other book, straight through, or form a "relationship" with the sutra, spending time with just a few lines at a time and letting them percolate throughout the day like a koan.

Thanks for your insight and helpful suggestions.

Reading something like the Lankavatara in one sitting and actually processing it would be hard for me . I usually read a bit at a time, and read various commentary.

[Caodemarte]

If you are not already, I would highly recommend sitting with a group in addition to sitting alone and consultation (in person, if at all possible) with a qualified Zen teacher. If you only do zazen and sutra study alone it is highly probable that you will go off on the dead end side roads.