Nāgārjuna · Kumārajīva · 大智度論

The Great Treatise on Wisdom.

The Mahāprajñāpāramitā Śāstra is one of the great monuments of Mahāyāna Buddhism: a vast explanation of the Perfection of Wisdom, traditionally attributed to Nāgārjuna and preserved in Kumārajīva's Chinese translation. This page is the entrance for reading it fascicle by fascicle.

Browse 100 fascicles → Study by theme →

How to read this collection

Each fascicle is treated as a study unit. The goal is not only to preserve the text, but to help an English reader see the argument, the practice point, and the relevance to ordinary life.

The individual fascicle essays will be filled in progressively. The structure is ready now, so readers can move through the treatise in order while the study materials grow.

What each essay will include

A plain-English overview of the fascicle.
Key terms from the Chinese text.
Major examples, arguments, and practice points.
Questions for reflection or class discussion.

100 fascicles in the Chinese treatise

2 ways to study: by text or by theme

Read by Fascicle

Use this as the table of contents for the treatise. Early highlighted fascicles will become full essays first; the remaining entries mark the full shape of the project.

First study cluster

Fascicles 1-10

The opening frame: homage, the meaning of great wisdom, the bodhisattva path, and why emptiness must be joined with compassion.

Practice cluster

Patience and Forbearance

The treatise gives concrete methods for meeting harm without hatred. The first full practical guide is already open.

Theme path

Life Questions

If you are not ready to read in order, start from a theme: emotions, attachment, death, compassion, or courage.

Fascicle 1 Read Ru-Yi's translation Our plain-English translation and study notes for scroll 1 of the 大智度論, now complete. Fascicle 2 Read Ru-Yi's translation Our plain-English translation and study notes for scroll 2 of the 大智度論, now complete. Fascicle 3 Read Ru-Yi's translation Our plain-English translation and study notes for scroll 3 of the 大智度論, beginning with “dwelling in Rājagṛha.” Fascicle 4 Read the source text Open scroll 4 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 5 Read the source text Open scroll 5 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 6 Read the source text Open scroll 6 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 7 Read the source text Open scroll 7 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 8 Read the source text Open scroll 8 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 9 Read the source text Open scroll 9 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 10 Read the source text Open scroll 10 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 11 Read the source text Open scroll 11 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 12 Read the source text Open scroll 12 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 13 Read the source text Open scroll 13 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 14 Read the source text Open scroll 14 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 15 Read the source text Open scroll 15 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 16 Read the source text Open scroll 16 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 17 Read the source text Open scroll 17 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 18 Read the source text Open scroll 18 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 19 Read the source text Open scroll 19 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 20 Read the source text Open scroll 20 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 21 Read the source text Open scroll 21 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 22 Read the source text Open scroll 22 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 23 Read the source text Open scroll 23 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 24 Read the source text Open scroll 24 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 25 Read the source text Open scroll 25 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 26 Read the source text Open scroll 26 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 27 Read the source text Open scroll 27 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 28 Read the source text Open scroll 28 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 29 Read the source text Open scroll 29 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 30 Read the source text Open scroll 30 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 31 Read the source text Open scroll 31 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 32 Read the source text Open scroll 32 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 33 Read the source text Open scroll 33 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 34 Read the source text Open scroll 34 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 35 Read the source text Open scroll 35 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 36 Read the source text Open scroll 36 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 37 Read the source text Open scroll 37 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 38 Read the source text Open scroll 38 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 39 Read the source text Open scroll 39 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 40 Read the source text Open scroll 40 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 41 Read the source text Open scroll 41 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 42 Read the source text Open scroll 42 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 43 Read the source text Open scroll 43 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 44 Read the source text Open scroll 44 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 45 Read the source text Open scroll 45 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 46 Read the source text Open scroll 46 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 47 Read the source text Open scroll 47 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 48 Read the source text Open scroll 48 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 49 Read the source text Open scroll 49 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 50 Read the source text Open scroll 50 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 51 Read the source text Open scroll 51 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 52 Read the source text Open scroll 52 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 53 Read the source text Open scroll 53 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 54 Read the source text Open scroll 54 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 55 Read the source text Open scroll 55 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 56 Read the source text Open scroll 56 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 57 Read the source text Open scroll 57 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 58 Read the source text Open scroll 58 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 59 Read the source text Open scroll 59 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 60 Read the source text Open scroll 60 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 61 Read the source text Open scroll 61 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 62 Read the source text Open scroll 62 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 63 Read the source text Open scroll 63 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 64 Read the source text Open scroll 64 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 65 Read the source text Open scroll 65 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 66 Read the source text Open scroll 66 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 67 Read the source text Open scroll 67 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 68 Read the source text Open scroll 68 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 69 Read the source text Open scroll 69 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 70 Read the source text Open scroll 70 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 71 Read the source text Open scroll 71 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 72 Read the source text Open scroll 72 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 73 Read the source text Open scroll 73 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 74 Read the source text Open scroll 74 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 75 Read the source text Open scroll 75 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 76 Read the source text Open scroll 76 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 77 Read the source text Open scroll 77 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 78 Read the source text Open scroll 78 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 79 Read the source text Open scroll 79 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 80 Read the source text Open scroll 80 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 81 Read the source text Open scroll 81 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 82 Read the source text Open scroll 82 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 83 Read the source text Open scroll 83 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 84 Read the source text Open scroll 84 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 85 Read the source text Open scroll 85 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 86 Read the source text Open scroll 86 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 87 Read the source text Open scroll 87 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 88 Read the source text Open scroll 88 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 89 Read the source text Open scroll 89 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 90 Read the source text Open scroll 90 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 91 Read the source text Open scroll 91 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 92 Read the source text Open scroll 92 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 93 Read the source text Open scroll 93 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 94 Read the source text Open scroll 94 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 95 Read the source text Open scroll 95 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 96 Read the source text Open scroll 96 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 97 Read the source text Open scroll 97 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 98 Read the source text Open scroll 98 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 99 Read the source text Open scroll 99 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here. Fascicle 100 Read the source text Open scroll 100 of the 大智度論 on CBETA. Ru-Yi's plain-English essay will be added here.