The Flower Ornament Scripture: A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra

by Thomas Cleary

A masterful translation of one of the most influential Buddhist sutras--the Avatamsaka Sutra--by one of the greatest translators of Buddhist texts of our time

Known in Chinese as Hua-yen and in Japanese as Kegon-kyo, the Avatamsaka Sutra, or Flower Ornament Scripture, is held in the highest regard and studied by Buddhists of all traditions. Through its structure and symbolism, as well as through...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0877739404
• ISBN13: 9780877739401
• Release Date: October 1993
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 1656 Pages
• Weight: 4.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.3" x 6.5" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

An Achievement of Epic Proportions

Thomas Cleary is one of the best all-round translators of East Asian and Sanskrit literature, as well as Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian writings. If I have the option of purchasing a work I have never read before in various translations, I will gladly go with Cleary. Some of his works, such as the astonishing edition of the Art of War and his beautifully poetic rendering of the Zhuangzi are the best of their kind, while others (particularly his translations of Zen literature) are rather lacking and weak. This mammoth translation of the Buddhavatamsaka-sutra, however, represents the best (in my opinion) in Sanskrit Buddhist translation. All English speaking Mahayana Buddhists owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Clearly, for rendering one of the largest, most elaborate, and most important Buddhist scriptures into English, with a flair of style and poetic imagery that surpasses almost anything else I've read in Buddhist sutra translations. The Avatamsaka Sutra, or the Flower Garland (Flower Ornament) Sutra is the earliest sutra spoken by the Buddha. It is, along with the Lotus Sutra and the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, one of the most important teachings of the Buddha. The Chinese Huayan (Jap. Kegon) School (Huayan/Kegon: Avatamsaka), one of the most prominent and influential schools in the history of Chinese and Japanese Buddhism, is based on this scripture, which emphasizes the mutually unobstructed interpenetration the Dharma realm, the interactions between principle and phenomenal worlds. The Avatamsaka Sutra is one of the Vaipulya Sutras, meaning that it is, in effect, an incredibly large sutra comprised of several smaller sutras (other Vaipulya Sutras include: the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, the Jewel Heap Sutra, and the Nirvana Sutra). Because of its incredible length, many of the English translations are available only as partial translations, or translations of particularly important sections. Here, however, Cleary has translated the entire sutra, which takes up almost 1500 pages. However, it is a must-have for any English Mahayana scholars. Readers may be amazed at the vast range displayed throughout the sutra. Some chapters are elaborate, miraculous, and joyful in nature (as is much of the Lotus Sutra), while others are strongly philosophical in a style reminiscent of the Hinayana or Perfection of Wisdom Sutras. Especially important are the chapters concerning the Ten Stages (Dashabhumika-sutra) of the Bodhisattva Path, the Ten Devotions, the Ten Practices, the Ten Concentrations, the Ten Acceptances, and the Ten Abodes. The second-to-last chapter is a magnificent summation of Mahayana doctrine and the practice of the Buddhas. The final chapter (which takes up 400 pages by itself) is the "Entry Into the Realm of Reality" (GAnda-vyuha), which is the most famous section of the book. It describes the pilgrimage of the young Sudhana, guided by Manjushri, as he requests the teachings of 53 masters, including the future Buddha. T

Must Read

This book is a "must read" book for all serious Buddhist practitioners. This Sutra give you all kinds of insights that lead to the path of enlightenment. If one knows how to read this Sutra and understands its contents, one can attain boundless joy and happiness. Avatamsaka is for everyone and for daily life. Try it out yourself, there is nothing to lose but everything to gain.

A massive, massively influential sutra, expertly translated

The Avatamsaka Sutra (The Sutra of the Garland of Flowers) is among the largest and greatest of the scriptures of Mahayana Buddhism. It is 12 volumes in Chinese, and 1600 pages in this English edition published by Shambhala. As with most Mahayana scriptures, it treats Buddha not as merely a man of ancient India, but as a cosmic principle. Differing from the austere and non-theist Theravada scriptures, it is full of gods and goddesses, heavens, jewelled trees and imaginary beings. The Avatamsaka Sutra became very influential in Chinese Buddhism, and was responsible for the creation of the Hua-Yen school.This edition by Thomas Cleary, THE FLOWER ORNAMENT SCRIPTURE, is excellent. It includes not only his translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra, but also a book subsequently pinned onto it (the 400-page Gandhavyuha, or "Entry into the Realm of Reality"), the Chinese mystic Li Tongxuan's seventh-century commentary on the Gandhavyuha, a glossary of difficult Mahayana concepts, and an incredibly helpful translator's introduction.Dr. Cleary ranks among the foremost translators of Asian religious literature and always succeeds in translating works clearly and precisely. In THE FLOWER ORNAMENT SCRIPTURE, his years of experience have enabled him to produce a stunning translation, and I can only admire his persistence in translating such a massive work. This edition is really a treasure for Buddhist students. Or, should I say, serious students and scholars. At 1600 pages and a high cost (though much more inexpensive than several years ago), this tome is for the dedicated. THE FLOWER ORNAMENT SCRIPTURE, however, is an excellent translation. Dr. Cleary has benefitted Westerners greatly through his singular translation.

A beautiful masterpiece.

A book translated by Thomas Cleary is worth its weight in gold... and then some. The Avatamsaka Sutra is a powerful and profound piece of work worth the investment of time to ponder, and meditate upon. I sat down one summer evening, to begin the journey, and after the first few pages I was transformed by the beauty and wisdom I found woven within the words of Mr. Cleary's absorbing translation. In my opinion: this is the apex of ALL Buddhist text.

Absolutely beautiful. A remarkable translation.

For anyone interested in the highest, most lucid and profound written teachings of the Mahayana, Cleary's translation of the Avatamsaka-sutra is essential reading. Every line is beautifully rendered, and the only problem I have with it is the translation of "bodhisattva" to "enlightening being," which is accurate but not usually done. Aside from that petty qualm, however, this book is perfect. Even the physical design is very well crafted and aesthetically pleasing. This is surely Shambhala's and Tom Cleary's masterpiece.