Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana A New Translation and Commentary: A Clear and Accessible Translation for the Modern Reader (The Madhyama Āgama Sutra) Paperback – February 7, 2025

We are pleased to announce the publication of this modern English translation of the two versions of the Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana (No. 1666 and No. 1667) as found in the Taishō Tripiṭaka.The primary differences between these two versions (No. 1666 and No. 1667) lie in their translators and the periods in which they were compiled:No. 1666: Translator: Paramārtha (真諦) Approximate Date of Compilation: 543-549 CE Volume: 1No. 1667: Translator: Śikṣānanda (実叉難陀) Approximate Date of Compilation: Later than Paramārtha's translation (exact date unknown) Volume: 2In addition to these differences, the following points are also significant:Content Differences: The Śikṣānanda translation (No. 1667) is considered a reorganized or revised edition of Paramārtha's version (No. 1666).Frequency of Use: When discussing the contents of the Awakening of Faith, the Chinese version attributed to Paramārtha (No. 1666) is the one most commonly used.Stylistic Differences: Due to the different translators, there are likely variations in writing style and terminology.Despite these differences, both texts represent different translations of the same Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana, and are believed to share the same fundamental doctrines and structure.The Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana is a crucial treatise that systematically summarizes the principles of Mahayana Buddhism. It has been read and revered by many throughout history. Its content profoundly and accessibly explains the nature of mind, the perception of the world, and the path to enlightenment, offering many insights that remain relevant today.However, the original text is written in Classical Chinese, which is not easily understood by modern readers. While many contemporary translations have been published, there are relatively few that comprehensively compare and contrast the two different versions found in the Taishō Tripiṭaka, or provide detailed annotations.In light of this, this book aims to make the profound world of the Awakening of Faith accessible to a wider audience. The translation and commentary have been prepared with the following principles in mind:Accurate Translation: We have striven to faithfully reproduce the meaning of the original text, minimizing mistranslations and biased interpretations.Detailed Annotations: We have included extensive annotations to aid understanding, covering Buddhist terminology, historical context, and other relevant information.Comparison of the Two Versions: We have compared and contrasted the two versions of the Awakening of Faith found in the Taishō Tripiṭaka, clarifying their unique features and differences.Modern Perspective: We have explored the relevance of the Awakening of Faith to contemporary society, and its connections to modern science, such as quantum mechanics.It is our hope that through this book, you will come to see that the Awakening of Faith is not merely a relic of the past, but a valuable source of wisdom that can benefit us as we navigate the challenges of modern life.If this book can assist you in your exploration of the mind, nothing would bring us greater joy. Read more