Professor Thurman's excellent translation of the Vimalakirti Sutra gives a clear and humorous rendition of the major teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. Called the ''Jewel of the Mahayana Sutras'' this book presents the teachings of Vimalakirti, an Indian layman who was considered to be as enlightened as the Buddha. This version of the sutra includes the classic text, as well as a detailed introduction and epilogue and three glossaries of terms. 102 pp., pb.