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The Flower Ornament Scripture: A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra
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 its concisely stated principles, it conveys a vast range of Buddhist teachings.
This one-volume edition contains Thomas Cleary’s definitive translation of all thirty-nine books of the sutra, along with an introduction, a glossary, and Cleary’s translation of Li Tongxuan’s seventh-century guide to the final book, the Gandavyuha , “Entry into the Realm of Reality.”
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 its concisely stated principles, it conveys a vast range of Buddhist teachings.
This one-volume edition contains Thomas Cleary’s definitive translation of all thirty-nine books of the sutra, along with an introduction, a glossary, and Cleary’s translation of Li Tongxuan’s seventh-century guide to the final book, the Gandavyuha , “Entry into the Realm of Reality.”
1656 pages, Hardcover
First published October 12, 1993
About the author
Thomas Cleary
230 books258 followersDr. Thomas Francis Cleary, Ph.D. (East Asian Languages and Civilizations, Harvard University; J.D., Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley), was a prolific translator of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Muslim classics, with a particular emphasis on popular translations of Mahāyāna works relevant to the Chan, Zen, and Soen systems.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 13, 2023
The Avatamsaka Sutra is the definitive statement of Indra's Net, the cosmic Buddhist vision of radical interconnectedness, interrelatedness, interdependence, and nondual interpenetration of all phenomena. It is the ultimate mind-tripping read that will take you into a multi-dimensional mind-space that you never knew existed, wheeling you around the infinity of consciousness from the smallest most insignificant spec in the universe to boundless worlds-within-worlds-upon-worlds... it will leave you wondering who in the hell could have written these texts, and how they managed to sustain such a fantastic vision for over 1,700 pages... it makes Carl Sagan’s universe of “billions of billions” look like child’s play.
The Avatamsaka consists of separately composed sutras that were compiled at later dates into this compendium of texts, the longer name of which is Buddhāvataṃsaka-sūtra (see Wikipedia article "Buddhāvataṃsaka"). Some of the original sutras are influential texts in themselves such as the "Ten Stages Sutra" (Daśabhūmikāsūtra) which outlines the ten stages a bodhisattva goes through in becoming a fully awakened buddha. Another, the 2nd century text translated as "Entry into the Realm of Reality" (Gaṇḍavyūhasūtra), is the last chapter of the Avatamsaka and, at 350 pages, is considered on its own as one of the greatest tales of spiritual seeking ever written. I once noted a class at U.C. Berkeley that was devoted solely to reading and studying this Gandavyuha text.
The Avatamsaka was most influential in China and East Asia as it became the central text of the Chinese Huayen (also Huayan) School, one of four major Chinese Buddhist schools (Hwaeom in Korea and Kegon in Japan). This school, along with the Chinese Tiantai School, was influential in the Chan/Zen School.
But take note: the merit you will gain by reading a single sentence of this sutra exceeds the all the merit gained by a thousand Buddhas who’ve liberated the sentient beings of ten billion worlds over ten billion eons. Indeed, even pronouncing one syllable of this sutra will provide you with more merit than constructing ten ka-jillion stupas while circumambulating Mt. Kailas ten thousand times, and simultaneously teaching the dharma to every sentient being of every eon of ten thousand worlds in each of the ten directions. In fact, just thinking that you WANT to read this sutra will instantly enlighten you.
Seriously, this prodigious text is one of the most fantastic reads that humans have ever created but clearly isn't for the light-hearted or simple-minded. Cleary’s translation is, as usual, gorgeous, magisterial, enlightened. Based on a recommendation from a reviewer on Amazon.com, I started reading it aloud back in 2003 and am only half-way through it (now complete, 2023). I know nothing that compares to this text. In fact, I know nothing at all. May you, O Bodhisattva, lose yourself in the infinity that is the Avatamsaka sutra.
Updated: 4-12-23
The Avatamsaka consists of separately composed sutras that were compiled at later dates into this compendium of texts, the longer name of which is Buddhāvataṃsaka-sūtra (see Wikipedia article "Buddhāvataṃsaka"). Some of the original sutras are influential texts in themselves such as the "Ten Stages Sutra" (Daśabhūmikāsūtra) which outlines the ten stages a bodhisattva goes through in becoming a fully awakened buddha. Another, the 2nd century text translated as "Entry into the Realm of Reality" (Gaṇḍavyūhasūtra), is the last chapter of the Avatamsaka and, at 350 pages, is considered on its own as one of the greatest tales of spiritual seeking ever written. I once noted a class at U.C. Berkeley that was devoted solely to reading and studying this Gandavyuha text.
The Avatamsaka was most influential in China and East Asia as it became the central text of the Chinese Huayen (also Huayan) School, one of four major Chinese Buddhist schools (Hwaeom in Korea and Kegon in Japan). This school, along with the Chinese Tiantai School, was influential in the Chan/Zen School.
But take note: the merit you will gain by reading a single sentence of this sutra exceeds the all the merit gained by a thousand Buddhas who’ve liberated the sentient beings of ten billion worlds over ten billion eons. Indeed, even pronouncing one syllable of this sutra will provide you with more merit than constructing ten ka-jillion stupas while circumambulating Mt. Kailas ten thousand times, and simultaneously teaching the dharma to every sentient being of every eon of ten thousand worlds in each of the ten directions. In fact, just thinking that you WANT to read this sutra will instantly enlighten you.
Seriously, this prodigious text is one of the most fantastic reads that humans have ever created but clearly isn't for the light-hearted or simple-minded. Cleary’s translation is, as usual, gorgeous, magisterial, enlightened. Based on a recommendation from a reviewer on Amazon.com, I started reading it aloud back in 2003 and am only half-way through it (now complete, 2023). I know nothing that compares to this text. In fact, I know nothing at all. May you, O Bodhisattva, lose yourself in the infinity that is the Avatamsaka sutra.
Updated: 4-12-23
July 22, 2016
I think the best way to describe this book would be as a table full of cakes. Not just one cake, but an enormous table with cakes of all shapes and sizes and flavours. The cakes are the Buddhist teachings in each chapter, and the icing is the descriptions. Some cakes are smothered in icing, others are BURIED in it with, and others have more reasonable amounts. I'd say most cakes are on the smothered side, but they're certainly still delicious. However, if you ate them all, you would quickly get a stomach ache.
So, as you can tell this was quite the book. It was enormous, and I actually only read the first book out of three of them. It was one of the most beautiful texts I've read, with breathtaking imagery and philosophical insights, and the sheer enormity of everything, from the names of all the enlightening beings to the worlds, to the decorations adorning the palaces was fascinating. However, it wasn't something I would have read straight through--I read parts of it, covering more or less all of the chapters, and focusing on parts I was more interested in. It's just too overwhelming to read it all, and it would become tedious to read pages and pages of names of enlightening beings, kings, etc, though the names are certainly creative, and I often just liked to read the names of things for fun. They were names such as Pure Light of the Mountain Dawn, Shining Jewel of Wonder, Just and Noble Truth, Enlightened Cloud of Dew, etc. Even just from a writer's point of view, you can't beat this, and there were HUNDREDS of these names!
The descriptions of the Buddhist teachings in the book were also very well laid out and poetic, and explained in many different ways (which was again, over the top for me) from the enlightening beings. This was the highlight for me, rather than the descriptions.
So I would suggest this book to anyone interested in Buddhism, however, don't try to read it cover to cover or you will go insane with names and descriptions! Though reading passages from it and a chapter or two here and there is well worth it.
So, as you can tell this was quite the book. It was enormous, and I actually only read the first book out of three of them. It was one of the most beautiful texts I've read, with breathtaking imagery and philosophical insights, and the sheer enormity of everything, from the names of all the enlightening beings to the worlds, to the decorations adorning the palaces was fascinating. However, it wasn't something I would have read straight through--I read parts of it, covering more or less all of the chapters, and focusing on parts I was more interested in. It's just too overwhelming to read it all, and it would become tedious to read pages and pages of names of enlightening beings, kings, etc, though the names are certainly creative, and I often just liked to read the names of things for fun. They were names such as Pure Light of the Mountain Dawn, Shining Jewel of Wonder, Just and Noble Truth, Enlightened Cloud of Dew, etc. Even just from a writer's point of view, you can't beat this, and there were HUNDREDS of these names!
The descriptions of the Buddhist teachings in the book were also very well laid out and poetic, and explained in many different ways (which was again, over the top for me) from the enlightening beings. This was the highlight for me, rather than the descriptions.
So I would suggest this book to anyone interested in Buddhism, however, don't try to read it cover to cover or you will go insane with names and descriptions! Though reading passages from it and a chapter or two here and there is well worth it.
Want to read
June 2, 2013I'm only beginning to dig my way into this text, but would like to mention that the introduction is a masterful piece of writing in and of itself, comparing the teachings found in the Avatamsaka Sutra to those of other significant Mahayana sutras. Not only does the context help to provide intimacy with the concepts found here, but it provides a quick run through important Buddhist concepts that this sutra seeks to encompass and surpass. Personally, I'm spending about 30-45 minutes a day reading this massive thing, and alternating between the intro and the sutra itself day to day. It has been a really great experience!
April 22, 2021
As to the Avatamsaka-Sutra, it is really the consummation of Buddhist thought, Buddhist sentiment, and Buddhist experience. To my mind, no religious literature in the world can ever approach the grandeur of conception, the depth of feeling, and the gigantic scale of composition, as attained by the sutra. Here not only deeply speculative minds find satisfaction, but humble spirits and heavily oppressed hearts, too, will have their burdens lightened. Abstract truths are so concretely, so symbolically represented here that one will finally come to a realization of the truth that even in a particle of dust the whole universe is seen reflected—not this visible universe only, but a vast system of universes, conceivable by the highest minds only.
D. T. Suzuki
D. T. Suzuki
April 5, 2011
This one-volume edition contains Thomas Cleary's definitive translation of all thirty-nine books of the sutra and is outrageously expensive but worth the cost.Every line is beautifully rendered...the only problem is the translation of "bodhisattva" to "enlightening being," which is accurate but not usually done. Thomas Cleary is one of the best all-round translators of East Asian and Sanskrit literature, as well as Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian writings. A jewel.
Currently reading
July 16, 2009this has to be the most impossible book in existence. even if you don't believe a word inside, the scope of the book and the language itself will blow your fucking mind. anyone who finishes this deserves a beer on the house. i imagine this book could either wreck a person's mind or ease it, it is just that immense.
February 10, 2015
It took far too long, but I have finally finished. It was a bit uneven, as a collection of different works could be expected, and some of it was kind of a chore. But there was enough great stuff in it that I'm glad I persisted.
March 16, 2018
Impressive in all ways!
The Avataṃsaka Sūtra describes a cosmos of infinite realms upon realms, mutually containing one another (The Jewel Net of Indra). This Sūtra mentiones the existence of infinitely intertwined universes wherein many, many Buddhas - in the past, now and in the future - are involved.
When reading this translation in English of the Avataṃsaka Sūtra, the following question came to my mind:
How can Buddhas and Bodhisattvas achieve enlightenment for all in these infinitely intertwined universes in the past, now and in the future?
A contribution to this question:
We can only accept that the clouds and worlds within these universes will take care for themselves, because the wind is the same everywhere: ultimately there are no two kinds of wind (See also: Cleary, Thomas, Book of Serenity – One Hundred Zen Dialogues. Bosten: Shambhala, 1998 p. 110.).
Breathing this wind breath by breath, we are part of The Jewel Net of Indra and hereby we are completely interconnected with the infinitely intertwined universes in the past, now and in the future.
The vision expressed in this Sūtra was the foundation for the creation of the Hua-yen school, that is one of the seven branches of Zen Buddhism within Chinese Buddhism (See also: Cook, Francis, Hua-Yen Buddhism: The Jewel Net of Indra, Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1977).
Highly recommended for a serious study of the Hua-yen school - one of the seven branches - of Zen Buddhism.
The Avataṃsaka Sūtra describes a cosmos of infinite realms upon realms, mutually containing one another (The Jewel Net of Indra). This Sūtra mentiones the existence of infinitely intertwined universes wherein many, many Buddhas - in the past, now and in the future - are involved.
When reading this translation in English of the Avataṃsaka Sūtra, the following question came to my mind:
How can Buddhas and Bodhisattvas achieve enlightenment for all in these infinitely intertwined universes in the past, now and in the future?
A contribution to this question:
We can only accept that the clouds and worlds within these universes will take care for themselves, because the wind is the same everywhere: ultimately there are no two kinds of wind (See also: Cleary, Thomas, Book of Serenity – One Hundred Zen Dialogues. Bosten: Shambhala, 1998 p. 110.).
Breathing this wind breath by breath, we are part of The Jewel Net of Indra and hereby we are completely interconnected with the infinitely intertwined universes in the past, now and in the future.
The vision expressed in this Sūtra was the foundation for the creation of the Hua-yen school, that is one of the seven branches of Zen Buddhism within Chinese Buddhism (See also: Cook, Francis, Hua-Yen Buddhism: The Jewel Net of Indra, Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1977).
Highly recommended for a serious study of the Hua-yen school - one of the seven branches - of Zen Buddhism.
November 9, 2016
This is one of the greatest scriptures i have ever read it is a long read but very rewarding the translator has performed an amazing task of bringing out the essence of the teachings in this translation of the Avatamsaka sutra. I personally would recommend a course of meditation which would compliment this reading and also Buddhist yoga ( a short book about Buddhist meditation which is also translated by Thomas Cleary). Although i am not a Buddhist practitioner but belong to The Sikh Dharma from my reading of this scripture i would say that the level of consciousness attained by the people who originally wrote this is very similar to the Gian Khand stage described by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the Jap ji Sahib prayer, where the adept experiences seeing countless Buddhas countless Brahmas, countless Shivas and countless Gods and Goddesses, countless Demons and countless Jewel ocean worlds.
July 22, 2012
An immense book, some parts of this book really cut razor deep into the mind. There is a fluid mix of metrical & prose. To give the reader a deeper insight into oneself & the nature of reality.
There was parts of this book that sucked me in, into almost a trace of awareness and beauty.
It really can blow your mind, and its a large sized book, plenty to read & reread.
To the closed mind, this book is dangerous, to the open mind, this book is powerful.
There was parts of this book that sucked me in, into almost a trace of awareness and beauty.
It really can blow your mind, and its a large sized book, plenty to read & reread.
To the closed mind, this book is dangerous, to the open mind, this book is powerful.
October 1, 2016
I was looking forward to this book but found it disappointing. All the talk of buddhas bordered on magic and delusion. It made me realize I am not a traditional Buddhist. So much mythology and diety worship was too much for me.
December 6, 2012
Great translation - the standard for English. The book is heavy enough to kill someone with. You may need a lot of coffee to get through this voluminous sutra, but it is well worth it!
December 31, 2019
"Appearance showing matrix of the source of light." That is a description of this massive volume and also a quotation from it, a book unlike any other that I have ever read. Cleary theorizes that whether you are following every word or not, reading this book, especially out loud, will lead your brain into patterns of thought that become a sort of liberating training practice. I have read it through three times, twice out loud, and each time it has guided me through new realms. It took about a year each time, and each time added to the previous experience. The book came to me as a gift from a previously lost friend whose life I had saved because I was guided to do so (literally saved as in recovering his breathing). When we reconnected, just in time so that he could be a needed pall bearer at my father's funeral. I learned he had become a practicing Buddhist. He sent me the book to of the blue, and unknown to him, I had a smaller volume, an excerpt, but not the Scripture in its entirety. I was thrilled when he sent it to me. I have pages of passages I listed, some new with each reading. If you think you will like "seeing consciousness as like magic....the elements are in essence unconnected yet fabricate the appearance of the world", then try this unique reading experience. "Habit" is "the mundane whirl". If you want to break that habit, experience the Avatamsaka Sutra.
August 5, 2023
A mind-boggling, reality-altering, and wonderfully hypnotic read that seems to directly alter one's consciousness the more they read it. Every reading session is a meditative trance that takes me beyond the confines of time and space.
It may be impossible to understand with logic but every single word resonates with my soul as if I know what it means even if I can't put it into words. It's definitely repetitive but for a great reason.
This is a 1000% life-changing book, even the word life-changing cannot even begin to show just how much life-changing this book is. It's like a combination of the amazingly incomprehensible "Urantia Book" and the weirdly hypnotic "Be Here Now" but ten thousand times more insightful.
As expected, two-thousand-paged ancient spiritual manuscripts are really something. Hopefully, I can find more of these legendary writings in Taoism, Shamanism, and maybe there'll also be one on some ancient forgotten religion.
It may be impossible to understand with logic but every single word resonates with my soul as if I know what it means even if I can't put it into words. It's definitely repetitive but for a great reason.
This is a 1000% life-changing book, even the word life-changing cannot even begin to show just how much life-changing this book is. It's like a combination of the amazingly incomprehensible "Urantia Book" and the weirdly hypnotic "Be Here Now" but ten thousand times more insightful.
As expected, two-thousand-paged ancient spiritual manuscripts are really something. Hopefully, I can find more of these legendary writings in Taoism, Shamanism, and maybe there'll also be one on some ancient forgotten religion.
January 24, 2024
This is a book I told myself I should read and I am grateful to have completed it. However, that was a time-intensive effort as this text is highly esoteric and dense in nature. That being said, I don’t get the impression that is the fault of the translator. In fact, I feel Cleary’s notes are some of the few helpful guideposts along the way through this book to help you understand what you are about to read or what you have just read. In some ways, I feel I was better informed reading the translator’s notes and the appendices than the actual original text.
If you are seeking a deeper understanding of Buddhism, I feel there are much more approachable, helpful texts by Pema Chödrön, Thich Nhat Hanh, and others that will help you on your journey. I feel this book is best left to those who are either academics at heart or are resolutely determined to read through the major Buddhist scriptures, but your mileage may vary.
If you are seeking a deeper understanding of Buddhism, I feel there are much more approachable, helpful texts by Pema Chödrön, Thich Nhat Hanh, and others that will help you on your journey. I feel this book is best left to those who are either academics at heart or are resolutely determined to read through the major Buddhist scriptures, but your mileage may vary.
September 28, 2022
a psychedelic fractal of mindblowing worlds upon worlds within tesseract layered hologram of the indras net of jewles, peristalting on the outer layer of a moebious strip smack dab in the middle of an escher drawing.
July 16, 2020
No review needed, marinate overnight
May 3, 2021
this would be a 5 if the translation were better and there werent FREQUENT errors/typos. literally has "death" instead of "deaf" in at least one spot. dont buy this book, get a pdf.
August 8, 2021
Ah, the Avatamasaka sutra…We spent a lot of time together. I deeply love the ideas presented in this sutra. Reading it was a challenge. I’m not sure I would read every page again. I took it as an exercise in mind opening—allowing the text to be and present itself and wonder. There are many great stories, and I’ll always remember the Bodhisattva who hugged and kissed everyone, and the skillful means which were terrifying…but most of all the sense of wonder. I was thrilled to see some of my favorite ideas from Chan in China, had Indian origins in this sutra. Having an understanding of Buddhist concepts is very helpful. But, maybe not! I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone, but would strongly encourage anyone who is curious to open, relax, read and wonder…
February 26, 2018
Unreadable
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews