Drama of Cosmic Enlightenment: Parables, Myths, and Symbols of the White Lotus Sutra

by Bhikshu Sangharakshita, Sangharakshita

An image or story can mysteriously convey a sense of truth that the most convincing intellectual argument cannot. In the White Lotus Sutra, bursting with symbols, imagery and myths, we meet the Buddha as a story-teller. Indeed, this sutra tells the greatest of all stories, that of human life and human potential. This great story takes the cosmos as its stage and all sentient beings as its players, yet within it lie many tales that address aspects of our lives or personalities. This delightfully illustrated commentary on one of the most influential, revered and well-loved Buddhist scriptures brings these stories vividly to life and shows how they relate to our own spiritual quest.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1996

Reviews

[Vishvapani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows Sangharakshita at the peak of his peers in lectures given in 1970, offering n interpretive commentary of The Lotus Sutra. It isn't so much an explanation of the Sutra as series of meditations on the parables, myths and symbols it contains. This allows Sangharakshita to move freely in the realm of imagination, between Buddhist, western and a host of other sources with complete fluency. The overarching theme is the potential human beings possess to enter a realm of beauty, wisdom and compassion. If you are seeking a source of inspiration by all means look to the Sutra; but if you find that inaccessible (as you may well), turn to Sangharakshita as a unique guide to its depth and splendour.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suppose I expected this book to be a blow by blow commentary of the whole of the sutra, but instead Sangharakshita has selected parts which he then delves into quite deeply. Potentially at times he goes further into his explorations than seems necessary, but this perhaps shows the depth of the teaching within this profound and magical sutra. Worth as re-read, and the Question and Answer sessions at the end of each chapter profide an interesting window into the further exploration of each subject.

[Blanca Ivonne Montaño Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy bonito libro sobre budismo. Contiene muchas parábolas y simbolismos que ayudan a entender un poco mejor el Dharma. Me gusta mucho la forma de sangarashita de analizar y presentar las ideas y aterrizarlas a la vida cotidiana.