The Diamond Sutra Sung in English

By: Sharon "Kumuda" Janis

Narrated by: Sharon "Kumuda" Janis

Length: 56 mins

Publisher's summary

In this Diamond Sutra, also known as the Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita Sutra, Buddha says, "This sutra should be called 'The Diamond Perfection of Wisdom sutra', because it has the capacity to cut through illusions and bring us to the shore of liberation. This is how you should receive and hold it. Why? Because that which the Buddha calls 'wisdom' is not wisdom."

The ancient sacred Buddhist text The Diamond Sutra is recited in English in a tune reminiscent of Buddhist chanting, sung by Sharon "Kumuda" Janis, author of Secrets of Spiritual Happiness and Spirituality For Dummies.

This question-and-answer format between Buddha and his disciple Subuti reveals intricate and esoteric knowledge about the nature of life, personality, charity, self-identification, and enlightenment.

©2013 Sharon Janis (P)2013 Sharon Janis

I learned something and enjoyed the chant

Would you listen to The Diamond Sutra Sung in English again? Why?

Yes. The first time I listened, it was hard for me to really retain what I heard although the chanting got very enthralling. Also, the message of the Diamond Sutra (essentially that even the ideas of Buddhism must be let go) are a bit "advanced" compared to where I am in my practice. I'm not ready for the Diamond Sutra yet, but I will be. When the time comes, I'll revisit this work.

What does Sharon "Kumuda" Janis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This is the main draw of this work. "Kumuda" translated the Sutra from Pali in such a way as to be able to chant it in English. At first, it is exceedingly strange to listen to, but then it really grabs hold of you. It is the most relaxing read possible, in my honest opinion, and just as in the original Pali, the chanting will help many people to really remember the work.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not yet.

Any additional comments?

It's strange, but give it a try. You may not be ready for the Diamond Sutra (a more "advanced" Buddhist work), but there's still much to be gained by relaxing and listening.

Night Lotus touched my life in a beautiful way :)

Beautiful performance Sharon. Thank you for singing this beautiful song/ sutra, it has been a much needed new perspective.

Such a wonderful way to experience Buddhism.

One can over time grasp the Diamond Sutra by listening to this wonderful recording and reach towards enlightenment. Highly recommended ad a way to memorize a few lines of this beautiful sutra.

Awakened !!!

An amazing voice communicates that which cannot be said, but can be felt and known. I found this opening the door to reality, and the peaceful experience of the transcendent...without effort.

Diamond Sutra blows my mind

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Most definitely. Its awesomeness is beyond description or labels.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Diamond Sutra Sung in English?

GWWONGGGGG!!!

Have you listened to any of Sharon "Kumuda" Janis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. This one is my favorite.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. But unfortunately I jumped up to my feet when my mind exploded for the third time and I was no longer sitting.

Any additional comments?

AVOID Audible.com if you value your sanity.

They have an option to 'give as a gift' when you buy it.... but it is no gift when it is attached to Audible.com.... it is a NIGHTMARE that DOES NOT END... then once you thought it was finally gone and you uninstalled their garbage program that they forced you to use, you find that it pooped all over your downloads folder, stuck stupid advertisements into your documents folder, and then the audio file you downloaded DISAPPEARS! Not that it mattered anyways, because the file was in their bastardized audio format, which features more restrictive lock-down controls than a school-room Nun-cyborg working a triple-shift for the TSA on Thanksgiving.

Nice but not professionally recorded.

What did you love best about The Diamond Sutra Sung in English?

This is the first time I listen to a Sutra version with music and "sort of" singing. I say sort of since is more like reading like a verse in the same intonation the whole hour, and there is not really music but a constant fluent sound in the back and a couple of gongs. It is very well performed and very understandable.The first minutes sadly have a click click sound on the back, that lasts for a while and is very distracting. But overall after that stops, the whole thing gets better, and I really liked the performance, very nice voice. Its a very interesting way to get to know the Buddhist Diamond Sutra.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

A GEM

Surprisingly good and helpful too. Hypnotic - in a good way. [This = stupid template]

I heard da.da.da. in the beginning.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I love Diamond Sutra and Kumuda's performance. Unfortunately, there is da..da..da..voice in the beginning.