Buddhist Scriptures
for Study, Reflection, and Practice

Mahayana · 大乘

The most widely recited Buddhist text in the world. In 260 Chinese characters, it reveals the doctrine of emptiness — "form is emptiness, emptiness is form" — chanted daily in temples across East Asia.

Mahayana · 大乘

A dialogue between the Buddha and his disciple Subhuti on non-attachment and the perfection of wisdom. Central to Zen/Chan Buddhism — the world's oldest printed book carries its text.

Mahayana · 大乘

Teaches that all beings, without exception, can attain Buddhahood. The most important sutra in China and Japan — foundational to Tiantai, Tendai, and Nichiren Buddhism.

Mahayana · 大乘

The grandest of all Buddhist sutras. Describes the universe as an infinite web of interdependence — illustrated by Indra's Net, where every jewel reflects all others. Foundational to Huayan Buddhism.

Mahayana · 大乘

A wealthy layman outshines all of the Buddha's monk disciples in wisdom. Famous for Vimalakirti's "thunderous silence" when asked about non-duality — enlightenment is open to everyone, not just monastics.

Mahayana · 大乘 (Pure Land)

Describes the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha — a paradise where all beings may be reborn and easily achieve enlightenment. Core text of Pure Land Buddhism, the most widely practised Buddhist school in East Asia.

Theravada · 上座部

423 verses of the Buddha's wisdom, organised into 26 themes. The most widely read Theravada text — accessible, direct, and timeless. Opens with: "Mind is the forerunner of all actions."

Theravada · 上座部

One of the oldest Buddhist texts. A collection of discourses in verse and prose on ethics, renunciation, and wisdom. Contains the beloved Metta Sutta — the Buddha's teaching on loving-kindness toward all beings.

Vajrayana · 金刚乘

The Tibetan Book of the Dead. A guide read aloud to the dying and recently deceased, describing the journey of consciousness through the bardo — the intermediate state between death and rebirth. Liberation lies in recognising the nature of mind.