It is based on myohorengekyo, the twentyeight chapter version of the sutra translated into chinese by kumarajiva in 406, which nichiren daishonin used. Mar 03, 2015 recitation of significant excerpts from chapter 1 of the lotus sutra, introductory, adapted with minor changes from. Even though the buddha is dead in the past, in many ways, he is still alive in the dharma. The lotus sutra chapter 4 faith discernment celestial. Whats being evaluated here is the translation and presentation of the work. The buddha told the bhikshus, in the future if a good man or good woman hears the devadatta chapter of the wonderful dharma flower sutra and with a pure mind believes and reveres it, having no doubts, he will not fall into the hells, into the realm of hungry ghosts, or into the animal realm. Lotus sutra, lotus of the good law or true doctrine sutra, one of the earlier mahayana buddhist texts venerated as the quintessence of truth by the japanese tendai chinese tientai and nichiren sects. The encouragement of bodhisattva universally worthy. The lotus sutra is an important text for all of far east asian buddhism. This is just the same with sakyamuni buddhaalso emphasised with the nirvana sutra.
This translation by burton watson is the text norman uses in his five talks on the lotus sutra. Saddharmapundarika or the lotus of the true law, translated by h. Recollection of death also serves as a useful preparation for the time when one actually has to face death. Within the buddhist canon, the lotus sutra is one text that should be read. This is the twentieth installment in a chapter by chapter outline of the lotus sutra. Finally, this is the last time he will have to hear the lotus sutra. Chapter one, introduction, sets the scene on vulture peak wherein the buddha having just taught another sutra to a great assembly is now sitting in silent meditation. Its also nonscholar friendly, making it a good choice for more casual studiers of buddhism. Consequently, kumarajivas understanding of the sanskrit original is allowed to shine forth in english on its own terms. Overall, burton watsons translation is a good, nonoffensive goto edition pretty easily found in print. All 28 chapters english saddharma pundarika sutras audiobook part 2b of 3 1080p. At that time the bodhisattva guardian of the earth rose from his seat and said to the buddha, world honored one, if there are those who hear this chapter of guanshiyin bodhisattva, who learn about the selfmastery of his deeds and the power of his spiritual penetrations as shown in this universal door, you should know that the merit and virtue.
This is the ideal way to hear the buddhas teaching, his own golden words. Aug 16, 2009 the two most important teachings found in the lotus sutra are both contained in chapter 16. Commonly known in japanese as the kannongyo, this popular sutra was often published separately and. Hence it is that each chapter of the sutra begins with the five characters myohorengekyo in the title, and the sutra concludes with these five characters. This is a wonderful share i have listen to some readings on you tube which has inspired me to begin reading the threefold lotus sutra aloud to my grandkids and why i sometimes do gongyo in english hearing the true teachings is a very profound experience how nice that our technology affords us. So the passage in volume two of the lotus sutra chapter three, simile and parable says, even you, shariputra, in the case of this sutra were able to gain entrance through faith alone. The lotus sutra is regarded by many others as a religious classic of great beauty and p. The wonderful dharma lotus flower sutra with commentary 25.
The title of this chapter has been translated in various ways by different writers, some of which are faith discernment, belief and understanding and willing acceptance. The oldest parts of the text chapters 19 and 17 were probably written down between 100 bc and 100 ad. The lotus sutra by gautama buddha, alex struik, paperback. The lotus sutra has been revered in east asia for centuries as the highest teaching of the historical. The lotus sutra is regarded as one of the worlds great religious scriptures and most influential texts. The lotus sutra translated by burton watson chapter twentyeight. The lotus sutra25 the universal gate of bodhisattva kanzeon. The object of intense veneration among generations of buddhists in china, korea, japan, and other parts of the world, it has had a profound impact on the great works of japanese and chinese literature, attracting more commentary than. The sutra of innumerable meanings background 6 6 chapter 1 virtues 7 chapter 2 preaching 9 chapter 3 ten merits 11 part two. T he wonderful dharma lotus flower sutra has seven rolls and is divided into twentyeight chapters. At that time bodhisattva universal worthy, famed for his freely exercised transcendental powers, dignity and virtue, in company with great bodhisattvas in immeasurable, boundless, indescribable numbers, arrived from the east.
Read the lotus sutra a contemporary translation of a buddhist classic by available from rakuten kobo. An illustrated text of chapter 25 of the lotus sutra. Not only is the translation of the lotus sutra clear and excellent, but this version includes two other sutras, the prologue sutra of innumerable meanings and the epilogue universal virtue sutra, which traditionally accompany the lotus sutra in east asian countries but are not easy to find in english. The lotus sutra chapter one introduction celestial drum. Sho bu chi e the wisdom of the buddhas jin jin mu ryo is profound and cannot be measured go chi e mon.
Chapter 8 five hundred disciples receive predictions. This is chapter twentyfive, the universal door chapter. Includes the famous 25th chapter on guan yin avalokiteshvara, who hears all the cries of. The lotus sutra is one of the most popular and influential mahayana sutras, and the basis on which several schools of buddhism were established. The lotus sutra translated by burton watson chapter twentyfive. Since its appearance in china in the third century, the lotus sutra has been regarded as one of the most illustrious scriptures in the mahayana buddhist canon.
The five hundred disciples receive their predictions 9 chapter ix. The sutra of the lotus flower of the wonderful law chapter 1 introductory chapter 2 tactfulness 15 chapter 3 a parable 18 chapter 4 faith. This is certainly one of the best buddhist books available to the englishspeaking reader. Sacred texts buddhism index previous next chapter v. In the fifth century, the scene of shakyamuni and prabhutaratna buddhas seated together as depicted in the 11th chapter of the lotus sutra became arguably the most popular theme in chinese buddhist art. The lotus sutra has essentially defined east asian buddhism with its imagery, devotional passages, and ideas regarding equality between men and women as well as enlightenment for all beings. The wisdom of the lotus sutra volume iv section 6 key concepts and discussion questions 3 one day of life is more valuable than all the treasures of the major world system. Sidedness of the bodhisattva regarder of the cries of the world. The lotus sutra saddharma puarika sutra is one of the. Dharma talk by eijun linda ruth cutts on march 9, 2014, at green gulch farm zen center. While they are waiting for him to speak again, he emits a great light illuminating lands far and wide and from the highest heavens to the lowest hells. The lotus sutra is one of the most popular and influential mahayana sutras, and the basis on.
It recasts the buddha as a cosmic principle rather than a revered teacher, and shows the importance of a path of faith and devotion in buddhism. Unabridged recitation of chapter xxv of the lotus sutra, the gateway to every directionmanifested by bodhisattva avalokitesvara, as translated from the chinese of kumarajiva by. The dharma continues to be taught even after he is gone. Motifs from the lotus sutra figure prominently in the dunhuang caves built in the sui era. Considering the manifold complexities and beauties of the work, this is a stunning achievement.
Chapter 1 chapter 2 chapter 3 chapter 4 chapter 5 chapter 6 chapter 7 chapter 8 chapter 9 chapter 10 chapter 11 chapter 12. Its a seminal work in the development of buddhism throughout east asia and, by extension, in the development of mahayana buddhism throughout the world. Table of contents contents table of contents preface 2 4 part one. To make the understanding of the lotus sutra, there are books available to enable you to grasp the essence of the lotus.
Jul 11, 2016 the wonderful dharma lotus flower sutra chapter 25 the narration is done based on the sutra text published by btts 1998 this is a voluntary work done with the great wish to share with everyone. And the beginning, the end, and what comes in between are all the seven characters of nammyohorengekyo. The essence of the three kinds of wisdom of a single mind is nammyohorengekyo, and the door is the mind of faith. World honored one, this bodhisattva perceiver of the worlds sounds why is he called perceiver of the world. Thereupon the lord addressed the venerable mahakasyapa and the other senior great disciples, and said. City of 10,000 buddhas the wonderful dharma lotus flower sutra. City of 10,000 buddhas the wonderful dharma lotus flower. The lotus sutra by burton watson 9780231081610 paperback. Sacred texts buddhism saddharmapundarika or, the lotus of the true law. All are aiming at a similar central idea, but each approaches it with a slightly different emphasis. A comprehensive resource for zen and buddhism practitioners. Myoho renge kyo the wonderful law of the lotus sutra. The sutra says that this is bodhisattva practicea way of life that makes maximum use of every accumulated aha moment of enlightenment, and it is the basis of the buddhas teachings in the lotus sutra. Lopez is the author of a dozen books on buddhist history and philosophy and the translator or editor of a.
Chapter 25, the bodhisattva avalokitesvara, is devoted to avalokitesvara, describing him as a compassionate bodhisattva who hears. Unfortunately, the lotus sutra is one of the most challenging buddhist texts to read due to its length, depth, and difficult prose style. The lotus sutra25 the universal gate of bodhisattva. It deals with the spiritual powers and miraculous functions of the inconceivable state of guanshiyin bodhisattva, the bodhisattva who contemplates the sounds of the world. The wonderful dharma lotus flower sutra has seven rolls and is divided into twentyeight chapters. The doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life is found in only one place, hidden in the depths of the life span chapter of the essential teaching of the lotus sutra. His most recently published book is the stories of the lotus sutra. At that time the bodhisattva inexhaustible intent immediately rose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, pressed his palms together and, facing the buddha, spoke these words. He will be born in the presence of the buddhas of the. All the twentyeight chapters of the lotus sutra are nam. The lotus sutra ebook by 9780861719877 rakuten kobo. The lotus sutra book by gautama buddha thriftbooks. A group devoted to the five practices of the central mahayana sutra, the wonderful dharma lotus flower sutra. Burton watsons felicitous rendition of the lotus sutra captures superbly well the literary essence of the chinese text.
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