Sakyamuni Buddha taught Great Prajna Paramita in sixteen assemblies in four locations over twenty-two years. It was recorded posthumously by his disciples in six hundred fascicles of approximately five million words and is regarded as the largest canon in Buddhism.

The Sanskrit original was translated into Chinese by Xuanzang (Hsüan-tsang) during the seventh century (from 660 through 663). This text is now available in English.

The Great Prajna Paramita Sutra is important not only because of its extensive teaching, but because it explains what the great bodhisattva, the great bodhisattva path of cultivation, and the great bodhisattva vehicle are. It depicts, manifests, and provides guidance on how one should learn to become a bodhisattva—and eventually a Buddha—transcending self-interest to reach a state of emptiness, selflessness, and nonattachment.

Regardless of where you are on the path to enlightenment, you will be nourished by its parables and dialogues. About the TranslatorNaichen Chen (1941–) earned a PhD in philosophy of education at the University of Florida, USA.

He has served as a professor of philosophy, Buddhism, and education at universities in Taiwan and the United States. He also has served as the president of National Hua Lien Teachers College in Taiwan and the University of the West (formerly Hsi Lai University) in Los Angeles, California.

He has authored essays and books on education, religion, and philosophy in both Chinese and English. .