Polishing the Diamond, Enlightening the Mind: Reflections of a Korean Buddhist Master [Paperback]

Master Jae Woong Kim (Author), His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 1999

In Polishing the Diamond, Enlightening the Mind, Master Jae Woong Kim explains the teachings of The Diamond Sutra, one of the most beloved and profound scriptures in East Asian Buddhism, believed to contain the heart of the Buddha's teachings. Through forthright instruction, allegorical tales, and heartfelt personal stories about his own teacher, Master Kim reveals the technique of surrendering, an accessible practice to help keep the peacefulness of sitting meditation in any situation. This simple technique cuts through even the hardest of contemporary spiritual concerns. Master Kim's warm personal reminiscences and practical meditation advice are both a testament to the vitality of Korean Buddhism today and a timeless expression of the transformative role the Buddha's teachings can play in each of our lives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[Polishing the Diamond is] by far the best translation ... I have ever seen of a contemporary Korean Buddhist book.... A remarkable achievement." -- Professor Robert Buswell, UCLA.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Korean

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications (June 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0861711459
• ISBN-13: 978-0861711451
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,112,483 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique, Practical, and Simple but Profound Instructions, September 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Polishing the Diamond, Enlightening the Mind: Reflections of a Korean Buddhist Master (Paperback)

At the start, I considered this book another Buddhist book written in English but as soon as I finished reading the section, "ABOUT THE MASTER'S TEACHING", I was hooked to the core of the instructions. The striking core to me was "whenever a thought or an emotion occurs in your mind, offer it up to Buddha with reverence." Offering up to Buddha is termed "surrendering." Then, what do we offer up? Our freewheeling thoughts, emotions, and hatreds which can be broadly termed "karmic hinderances." In all Buddhist books I have read so far, they say that when karmic hinderances arise, let them pass without clinging. But it has been very difficult in my practice to let them simply pass. The uniqueness of the instruction is "the offering up to Buddha with REVERENCE." The author suggests that the space emptied by offering will be filled up with wisdom, loving kindness, and positive views. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone who are interested in Buddhism.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GET THE BIG PICTURE, March 29, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (New Jersey, United States of America) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Polishing the Diamond, Enlightening the Mind: Reflections of a Korean Buddhist Master (Paperback)

In the life of every person, there comes a point when you realize that your mind is a battlefield. The "POLISHING THE DIAMOND, ENLIGHTENING THE MIND" guides you through this battlefield with the seatbelts on. It is a journey, not a destination. In the journey, I met Henry Ford who liked to GIVE. I met a Chinese Master who was born a water buffalo. And I met Master Baek who was born with the WISDOM OF THE AGES. I was in awe and wonder by permeating stories and METHODIC teachings, by SELF-ACTUALIZING powers of anyone's wishes, by the author's mission to find Buddha in all things with his SERVICE TO HUMANITY, by illuminating presence at work in the midst of human enterprise, and by what it is to be the HALLMARK of a good life. My spirits wanted to soar because in my own battlefield, I was able to find cracks that allow breakthroughs. The book does what it promises. It enlightens minds !! I saw the BIG PICTURE and it showed me the ROAD. Nothing is PRACTICAL than seeing a Big Picture, isn't it ? Diamond Master Jae-Woong Kim is an author whose publications I will certainly watch for.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Story tells about the best of human spirit., March 30, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (New York, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Polishing the Diamond, Enlightening the Mind: Reflections of a Korean Buddhist Master (Paperback)

This book is a must-read to those who have felt a deep moving in the heart after reading "Chicken Soup for the Soul" by Jack Canfield. Because this book enlightens us as to how to live with a flourish mind of peace. I learned through this book how to give something out for others as well as how to keep myself respectful of my husband, my children and neighbors incessantly.