[GP] The Golden Light Sutra

The Golden Light Sutra, or Suvarṇaprabhāsa-sūtra, is a revered Mahayana Buddhist scripture widely known for its teachings on statecraft, protective deities, and the benefits of its recitation. It's often called the "King of Sutras" and has been influential in East Asian Buddhism, particularly in China and Japan, where it was historically used as a text for national protection.

The sutra is a diverse text that includes a heart-rending practice of confession and rejoicing to purify negative karma. It also contains profound teachings on the nature of reality, such as dependent arising and emptiness. A central theme is the promise of protection. The sutra features various deities, including the Four Heavenly Kings, who vow to protect any ruler or country that properly honors and supports the sutra. It also includes captivating stories of the Buddha's previous lives, such as the famous tale of Prince Mahasattva, who sacrifices his own body to feed a starving tigress and her cubs,…