THE LOTUS SUTRA

by Buddha Gautama, Olga Gutsol (Editor), Johan Hendrik Caspar Kern (Translator)

The Lotus Sutra of the True Dharma, more commonly known in English as the Lotus Sutra ( Saddharma-Puṇḍarīka-Sūtra), is one of the most revered and significant Mahayana Buddhist texts of East Asia containing the teachings of Gautama Buddha, enlightened teacher and sage who lived and taught in the northeastern part of ancient India in approximately 5th century BCE. This Sutra was spoken in the last period of Buddha Gautama’s life, proclaiming the ultimate principles of the Dharma, which unites all previous teachings into one. With many parables the Buddha teaches that all beings can become fully enlightened and that this achievement, and not that of becoming Shravakas or Pratyekabuddhas, has always been the ultimate intent of his teaching. The Lotus Sutra is also the basis on which the Tiantai, Tendai, Cheontae, and Nichiren schools of Buddhism were established. This text is known for its extensive instruction on the concept and usage of skillful means – the seventh Paramita or perfection of a Bodhisattva. The narrative in the Lotus Sutra captures the second turning of the wheel of Dharma, an event of great importance in Buddhism for all sentient beings. Furthermore, it is one of the first Sutras to use the term ‘Mahayana’ (Great Vehicle) Buddhism. According to British professor Paul “For many East Asian Buddhists since early times, the Lotus Sutra contains the final teaching of the Buddha, complete and sufficient for salvation.”

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2020