Chapter 13: 5 Essential Quotes from the Diamond Sutra

1. "All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, shadows, like dew drops and a lightning flash: Contemplate them thus."

(Original: 一切有为法，如梦幻泡影，如露亦如电，应作如是观。)

• Explanation: All things in the world that arise from causes and conditions are as unreal as dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows; they are as fleeting as morning dew and a flash of lightning. One should always observe them in this way.

• Insight: This is the most famous verse in the sutra. It is not meant to encourage a negative outlook on life, but to help people see through gain and loss, to avoid being overly attached to the impermanent and ever-changing nature of worldly affairs, and thus live with more ease and openness.

2. "One should develop a mind that does not abide in anything."

(Original: 应无所住，而生其心。)

• Explanation: One should not grasp at anything. From this state of non-attachment, a pure and wise mind naturally arises.

• Insight: The mind should not dwell on any person, event, or emotion. Like a mirror reflecting objects, it simply reflects what comes and lets go of what goes, maintaining agility and freedom.

3. "The past mind cannot be held, the present mind cannot be held, the future mind cannot be held."

(Original: 过去心不可得，现在心不可得，未来心不可得。)

• Explanation: The past is already gone and cannot be grasped; the present is changing in an instant and cannot be held onto; the future has not yet arrived and is unpredictable. These three aspects of mind are all illusory and unattainable.

• Insight: People often live in regret for the past and anxiety for the future, neglecting the importance of the present moment. This reminds us to live in the now, without clinging to it.

4. "All appearances are illusory. If you see that all appearances are not as they seem, you will see the Thus Come One."

(Original: 凡所有相，皆是虚妄。若见诸相非相，即见如来。)

• Explanation: All phenomena you can see, hear, and feel are products of causes and conditions and are not eternal, unchanging entities. If you can see through the true nature of these appearances and are not misled by them, you will see the ultimate truth (Tathāgata).

• Insight: Do not be bound by superficial phenomena like fame, gain, loss, beauty, or ugliness. When we are not deceived by appearances, we can see the original, pure face of reality.

5. "The Dharma is like a raft; it should be abandoned, let alone non-Dharma."

(Original: 法尚应舍，何况非法。)

• Explanation: The Dharma (the teachings, like a raft to cross a river) should be let go of after reaching the other shore (enlightenment). How much more so should non-Dharma (unwholesome things or wrong views) be abandoned?

• Insight: Even good things and correct teachings should not be clung to; one must know when to let go. For unwholesome or wrong things, one should hold onto them even less. This represents a state of complete and utter release.