The Teaching of Chan and Zen. The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch

"The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch" is a summary of the ideas of Mahayana Buddhism and the Buddhist awakening of consciousness known as Chan (Japanese Zen), which goes beyond the teaching itself. This sutra is not just some book consisting of vague dogmas and impractical theories. It is essential for anyone studying Mahayana, and especially for every adherent of the doctrine of consciousness. Any serious practitioner of Chan will discover that this teaching, when applied in practice, can allow him to see his mistakes and shortcomings that seem unnoticed and must be eradicated first, before one can expect genuine success in self-improvement. A capable student of Mahayana will be able to correctly interpret all the sutras once he masters the "Platform Sutra".