The diamond sutra: a general explanation of the Vajra prajna paramita sutra

One of the most popular scriptures, the Vajra Sutra explains how the Bodhisattva relies on the perfection of wisdom to teach and transform beings. Then Subhutti, upon hearing the Sutra spoken, and deeply understanding its purport, wept and said to the Buddha, "How rare, World Honored One, is this Sutra so profoundly spoken by the Buddha. From the time I obtained the Wisdom Eye until the present I have never before heard such a Sutra. World Honored One, if someone hears the Sutra with a pure heart of faith then he realizes the real mark. That person should be known to have accomplished the foremost and most rare merit and virtue." Vajra is a Sanskrit word which defies translation because of its numerous connotations, but essentially vajra is an indestructible substance, usually represented by diamond. Vajra refers to the vajra mind, the vajra nature, and the vajra prajna.