Readings of the Lotus Sutra

Columbia Readings of Buddhist Literature

by Stephen F. Teiser (Editor), Jacqueline Stone (Editor)

The Lotus Sutra proclaims that a unitary intent underlies the diversity of Buddhist teachings and promises that all people without exception can achieve supreme awakening. Establishing the definitive guide to this profound text, specialists in Buddhist philosophy, art, and history of religion address the major ideas and controversies surrounding the Lotus Sutra and its manifestations in ritual performance, ascetic practice, visual representations, and social action across history. Essays survey the Indian context in which the sutra was produced, its compilation and translation history, and its influence across China and Japan, among many other issues. The volume also includes a Chinese and Japanese character glossary, notes on Western translations of the text, and a synoptic bibliography.

Genres: Buddhism

284 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[Andy McLellan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this volume to be a hugely interesting examination of the ways that The Lotus Sutra can be, and has been, read by different Buddhist traditions and interpreters throughout its history up until the present day.

It does not shrink from addressing some of the most contentious issues around this sutra such as its perceived basis for acts of self-immolation and role in Japanese nationalism, and also looks at how it has contributed to a large number of the extant Buddhist traditions of east Asia, and become the foundation of several 'single practice' traditions.

As a Sōtō Zen Buddhist who does not have an easy relationship with The Lotus Sutra, I found this book to be really helpful in giving me a much wider context to consider its teachings. Coming from both religious and modern academic perspectives, this allows me to contemplate the Mahayana philosophy and symbolic parables which are presented in its pages without necessarily taking all of it at face value.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Zen center is reading the Lotus Sutra together so I decided to supplement with this book. I found it incredibly helpful for context. The intro alone is wonderfully informative, and the final chapter by Jacqueline I. Stone alone is 5 stars (loved all the discussion of non-sentient beings and buddha nature). In addition to helping with understanding the sutra, the info I gained is useful for understanding Japanese art and literature influenced by the Lotus. I plan to order other books in this Readings On... series.

[Chris Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors are all top academics in the field. Their insights are a great help to those seeking to get a feeling of the Lotus Sutra in the world of Medieval Asia and Japan.
I found this a great help in getting a better understanding. So little has been written in English, I applaud the editors and the publisher.

[Ceef · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is quite a gem. Intended for a popular / undergraduate audience, it unpacks the Lotus Sutra in a number of compelling and obviously well-considered ways. Next time I teach a class on Chinese religion, I will certainly think about assigning it (or at least selections from it).

[Jon Ciliberto]

Currently readings. Really excellent, a needed gap-filler.

[Jessica Zu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only read several relevant chapters for teaching, will revisit this book later. This is definitely the best scholarship on the Lotus Sutra.