Origins
According to Burton Watson, the Vimalakīrti Sūtra probably originated in India in approximately 100 CE. Its central figure is Vimalakīrti, who is presented as the ideal Mahayana lay bodhisattva.
The first translation of the Vimalakīrti Sūtra into Chinese was made in 188 CE, but was lost over time. This translation was made by the Kuṣāṇa monk Lokakṣema, who came to China from the kingdom of Gandhāra. The sūtra was translated six more times at later dates, with the most popular edition being Kumārajīva's translation from 406 CE. Sometimes used in the title, the word nirdeśa means "instruction/advice".
Read more about this topic: Vimalakirti Sutra
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