Entry Into the Realm of Reality: The Guide

Li Tongxuan 

Translated by Thomas Cleary 

A Commentary of The Gandavyuha 

The Final Book of The Avatamsaka Sutra

This is a classic Chinese commentary on an important Buddhist text: Entry into the Realm of Reality, also known as the final book of The Flower Ornamnent (Avatamsaka Sutra). Perhaps the grandest drama of the Buddhist canon, it encapsulates the complete teaching of Buddhism in a tale of a pilgrimage toward enlightenment.  This commentary was written by a distinguished Chinese Buddhist of the eighth century, Li Tongxuan, who emphasized that the scripture was meant for the ordinary person, and his comments make it accessible and engaging to the nonspecialist reader.  Li clarifies the story of the pilgrimage with special sensitivity to its symbolism and shows how Buddhist awareness can be applied to the present moment in daily life.  This commentary is thus a concise introduction to Buddhist thought on its own as well as a companion volume to Entry into the Realm of Reality: The Text.  The translator provides an extensive introduction elucidating the background and content of the book. 

Thomas Cleary holds a doctorate in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University.  He is the translator of many classic texts of Buddhism, Taoism, and I Ching studies.