There are three versions of the Sutra of Golden Light in Tibetan, described with reference to the number of chapters -- the 21 chapter version, the 29 chapter version, and the 31 chapter version.
Presently, only the 21 chapter version has been translated from Tibetan to English, published by the FPMT. More than just being the shortest of the three versions, its individual chapters are condensed, and much of the material included in the 29 and 31 Chapter Versions is left out. It would be quite accurate to think of the 21 chapter version as the "condensed Sutra of Golden Light".
We are currently engaged in translating the Larger, or Extensive, Sutra of Golden Light, in its 29 and 31 Chapter Versions. The chapters that have not yet been translated into English are in some cases extremely long, some of the longest chapters in the Sutra. The chapters that also exist in the condensed 21 chapter version are often much longer in the 29 and 31 chapter versions, with new teachings, expositions, explanations, dharanis, rituals, praises, philosophical commentaries, and pith instructions.
In total, the texts of the Extensive Sutra of Golden Light: The 29 and 31 Chapter Versions are about 50 percent longer than the condensed 21 chapter version. Our efforts are devoted to translating the complete and unabridged Sutra, which in its entirety is even more incredibly powerful and profound.
Both the 29 Chapter Version and the 31 Chapter Version could both be thought of as the "extensive versions", and both are of about equal length, the 31 chapter version being slightly larger. See Chapter List for the names of all the chapters in the 29 and 31 Chapter Versions.
In brief, the 29 and 31 Chapter Versions could be thought of as the "true" Sutra of Golden Light -- the ones that have the most profound philosophical teachings, the most powerful dharanis, the most insightful instructions, and the most mind-blowing discourses.
The 29 and 31 Chapter Versions of the Sutra of Golden Light are the main ones that have been recited and studied for thousands of years, from India to Tibet to Mongolia and Japan.
We feel that the translation of the 29 and 31 Chapter Versions into English will be a milestone in the history of Buddhism. A new gateway to the heart of the Buddha's teachings is being opened, and we hope that everyone can take part.
Presently, only the 21 chapter version has been translated from Tibetan to English, published by the FPMT. More than just being the shortest of the three versions, its individual chapters are condensed, and much of the material included in the 29 and 31 Chapter Versions is left out. It would be quite accurate to think of the 21 chapter version as the "condensed Sutra of Golden Light".
We are currently engaged in translating the Larger, or Extensive, Sutra of Golden Light, in its 29 and 31 Chapter Versions. The chapters that have not yet been translated into English are in some cases extremely long, some of the longest chapters in the Sutra. The chapters that also exist in the condensed 21 chapter version are often much longer in the 29 and 31 chapter versions, with new teachings, expositions, explanations, dharanis, rituals, praises, philosophical commentaries, and pith instructions.
In total, the texts of the Extensive Sutra of Golden Light: The 29 and 31 Chapter Versions are about 50 percent longer than the condensed 21 chapter version. Our efforts are devoted to translating the complete and unabridged Sutra, which in its entirety is even more incredibly powerful and profound.
Both the 29 Chapter Version and the 31 Chapter Version could both be thought of as the "extensive versions", and both are of about equal length, the 31 chapter version being slightly larger. See Chapter List for the names of all the chapters in the 29 and 31 Chapter Versions.
In brief, the 29 and 31 Chapter Versions could be thought of as the "true" Sutra of Golden Light -- the ones that have the most profound philosophical teachings, the most powerful dharanis, the most insightful instructions, and the most mind-blowing discourses.
The 29 and 31 Chapter Versions of the Sutra of Golden Light are the main ones that have been recited and studied for thousands of years, from India to Tibet to Mongolia and Japan.
We feel that the translation of the 29 and 31 Chapter Versions into English will be a milestone in the history of Buddhism. A new gateway to the heart of the Buddha's teachings is being opened, and we hope that everyone can take part.
