The Stories of the Lotus Sutra

by Gene Reeves, Rafe Martin (Foreword)

Stories are ancient and wondrous tools with the mysterious power to transform lives. And the stories and parables of the Lotus Sutra-one of the world's great religious scriptures and most influential texts-are among the most fascinating and dramatic.

In this fun, engaging, and plain-English book, Gene Reeves-the translator of Wisdom's critically acclaimed and bestselling edition of the Lotus Sutra-presents the most memorable and remarkable of the Lotus Sutra's many stories and parables, along with a distillation of his decades of reflection on them in an accessible, inspiring, and naturally illuminating way.

The Stories of the Lotus Sutra is the perfect companion to Reeve's breathtaking translation of this scriptural masterpiece as well as a thoroughly enjoyable stand-alone volume for those who want to bring the inspiring teachings of the bodhisattva path into their daily lives.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, Theology

384 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2010

Reviews

[Michael Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent primer for the Lotus Sutra. The author steps through the chapters and the stories within them, first setting the stage, then telling the story, then providing commentary, and finally expanding on the most salient points of the chapter(s).

Explanations are clear and non-academic in style. That is, they are understandable for a broad audience.

Reading this full text makes me want to now find his translation of the Lotus Sutra and read that firsthand as well. You may find many of the stories familiar. But, the explanation of the stories and the background will build on your familiarity and give you a much richer understanding of the Sutra.

[Chris Bull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gene Reeves is a well known commentator and academic on the Lotus Sutra. This commentary is very readable. In approaching the Lotus Sutra, I would not hesitate to recommend this title as a first read.

[Sparrow Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, very helpful commentary on the Lotus. I especially like Reeves emphasis on bringing the teachings into daily life. I think it's unfortunate he didn't really have anything to say on the final meditation chapter, but that's a small lack in the overall awesomeness of this commentary.