A Gemstone of the True Intent

A Gemstone of the True Intent

A String of Precious Jewels

A String of Precious Jewels

A Classical Summary of Buddhist Ethics

written by Gyal Kenpo, Drakpa Gyeltsen (1762–1837)

The subject of Vowed Morality, or Vinaya as it is known in Sanskrit, is one of the five foundational subjects of training for students of Buddhist philosophical systems.  The study of vowed morality is largely focused on Freedom Vows, meaning commitments that people may make to refrain from harming others and leading an ethical life in their pursuit freeing their minds from the cycle of pain.  There are different sets of these vows, some designed for lay people and some for the ordained. This book grants us a very detailed explanation of those different sets of vows, as well as an understanding of how the vows can be broken, how they can be restored, and some advices for how to keep these kinds of commitments.

Zhou Xiaoping (Alison) embarked on her path as a distinguished scholar and practitioner of Diamond Cutter wisdom in 2011. Over the past decade, she has disseminated her knowledge and teachings across various countries, including China, Canada, and Singapore. Her work strongly emphasizes the translation, preservation, and modern application of ancient classics.

In her role as a personal assistant and translator for Geshe Michael, Alison plays a critical role in bridging language barriers and is actively involved in the publication of Geshe Michael’s books. Her commitment to education led her to become a Sedona College of International Management professor.

In partnership with Stanley Chen, Alison co-founded the Future Diamond Cutter Institute, marking a significant milestone in their shared goal to empower individuals through ancient wisdom. Together, they initiated transformative programs such as the China Soft Power Global President Program (CSP) and the Pure Gold projects. These programs aim to equip business leaders with ancient wisdom and foster a business civilization focused on the central value of “helping others succeed.”

Pure Gold Translation is a non-profit that translates ancient classics and related courses into modern Chinese. This endeavor aims to serve Chinese individuals worldwide, enabling the translation of classics and the practical application of wisdom in business and personal life.

Beyond her scholarly endeavors, Alison is a dynamic young entrepreneur from Shenzhen, China. She has a track record of success in commercial startups, charities, and cultural preservation organizations. Apart from her role as a professor and translator specializing in ancient Asian classical literature and ethics, she also holds a senior teaching position at the Diamond Cutter International Global business education company.

Sessions by
Alison Zhou

Alison Zhou

Fall 2023

Vowed Morality