The Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana

What is the nature of Buddha-nature, and how do we awaken to the enlightenment already present within us? The Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana (Dasheng Qixin Lun) is one of the most influential texts in East Asian Buddhism—a concise yet profound treatise that synthesizes the key concepts of Mahayana philosophy and practice. Traditionally attributed to the Indian poet-philosopher Aśvaghoṣa (1st–2nd century CE) but likely composed in China in the 6th century, the text presents a systematic exposition of Buddha-nature (Tathagata-garbha), the nature of consciousness, and the path to awakening. It teaches that all beings possess the potential for enlightenment, that our true nature is already pure and complete, and that practice consists of removing the obscurations that prevent us from recognizing what we already are.

The text is organized around the fundamental Mahayana teaching that the One Mind has two aspects: the absolute (true suchness, or tathata) and the phenomenal (the arising and ceasing of thoughts and perceptions). Our suffering comes from ignorance of our true nature, from identifying with the changing phenomena of consciousness rather than recognizing the unchanging Buddha-nature that underlies all experience. The Awakening of Faith explains how ignorance gives rise to the illusion of a separate self, how karma perpetuates the cycle of birth and death, and how faith, understanding, and practice can reverse this process and lead to awakening. The text presents practices of calming (shamatha) and insight (vipashyana), the cultivation of compassion and the bodhisattva vows, and the recognition that enlightenment is not something to be attained but something to be uncovered—the removal of clouds that obscure the sun that was always shining.

For contemplative readers, The Awakening of Faith offers profound meditation on the nature of mind, the relationship between absolute and relative truth, and the path of awakening. The work asks: What is the relationship between our Buddha-nature and our everyday consciousness? How do we recognize the enlightenment that is already present? What is the role of faith in the Buddhist path, and how does it lead to direct understanding? How do we practice in a way that uncovers rather than creates our true nature? What does it mean that ignorance and enlightenment are not ultimately separate? How do we hold both the urgency of practice and the recognition that we are already complete? The text becomes essential reading for understanding Chinese and Japanese Buddhism—influencing Chan (Zen), Pure Land, Huayan, and Tiantai schools with its vision of inherent enlightenment and the path of awakening faith.

What You'll Discover

• Foundational text of East Asian Buddhist philosophy and practice
• Teachings on Buddha-nature (Tathagata-garbha) and the One Mind
• The relationship between absolute truth (tathata) and phenomenal consciousness
• How ignorance creates the illusion of self and perpetuates suffering
• The path of awakening through faith, understanding, and practice
• Practices of calming (shamatha) and insight (vipashyana)
• The bodhisattva path and the cultivation of compassion
• Influential synthesis of Mahayana concepts that shaped Chinese and Japanese Buddhism

Traditionally attributed to Aśvaghoṣa (c. 80–150 CE), an Indian Buddhist poet and philosopher, the text was likely composed in China around the 6th century and became one of the most studied and commented-upon works in East Asian Buddhism. Its teachings on inherent Buddha-nature and the awakening of faith profoundly influenced the development of Chan (Zen), Pure Land, Huayan, and Tiantai Buddhism. This edition presents the complete text with translator's supplementary notes, making this essential treatise accessible to contemporary readers seeking to understand the philosophical foundations of Mahayana Buddhism and the path of awakening to one's true nature.

Perfect for: Students of Mahayana Buddhism and East Asian Buddhist traditions, readers exploring Buddha-nature and Tathagata-garbha teachings, contemplative practitioners interested in the relationship between faith and direct realization, those studying Chan (Zen), Pure Land, or other East Asian Buddhist schools, scholars of Buddhist philosophy and consciousness studies, anyone drawn to the teaching that enlightenment is inherent and practice is uncovering rather than attaining.

Paperback edition. A foundational text of East Asian Buddhism—offering contemplative wisdom on Buddha-nature, the One Mind, and the awakening of faith that reveals the enlightenment already present within all beings.