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The Lotus Sutra

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The Lotus Sutra is a foundational scripture of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, renowned since the third century for its profound spiritual teachings and rich narrative content. Comprising an anthology of sermons, stories, and devotional texts, it addresses diverse audiences with timeless wisdom, making it one of the most revered texts across China, Korea, Japan, and beyond. Its influence extends into literature and religious thought, underscoring its broad and enduring cultural significance.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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This edition is suited for readers interested in Buddhist scriptures, religious studies, and those who appreciate classical East Asian spiritual literature.

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A translation of "The Lotus Sutra" which has been regarded as one of the illustrious scriptures in the Mahayana Buddhist canon.

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 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 any other Buddhist scripture.As Watson notes in the introduction to his remarkable translation, " The Lotus Sutra is not so much an integral work as a collection of religious texts, an anthology of sermons, stories, and devotional manuals, some speaking with particular force to persons of one type or in one set of circumstances, some to those of another type or in other circumstances. This is no doubt why it has had such broad and lasting appeal over the ages and has permeated so deeply into the cultures that have been exposed to it."

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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 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 any other Buddhist scripture.

As Watson notes in the introduction to his remarkable translation, The Lotus Sutra is not so much an integral work as a collection of religious texts, an anthology of sermons, stories, and devotional manuals, some speaking with particular force to persons of one type or in one set of circumstances, some to those of another type or in other circumstances. This is no doubt why it has had such broad and lasting appeal over the ages and has permeated so deeply into the cultures that have been exposed to it.

Series: Translations from the Asian Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Victor Mair praises Watson's translation as a "stunning achievement," highlighting its ability to convey the literary essence and intricate beauty of the original Chinese text, marking it as a superbly rendered work.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780231081610

Publisher: Columbia University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 April 1994

Country: United States

Imprint: Columbia University Press

Contributors:

  • Translated by Burton Watson
  • Translated by Burton Watson

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 236.0mm

Height: 160.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 390

About the Author

Burton Watson is one of the world's best-known translators from the Chinese and Japanese. His translations include The Vimalakirti Sutra, Chuang Tzu: Basic Writings, Ryokan: Zen Monk-Poet of Japan, Saigyo: Poems of a Mountain Home, and The Columbia Book of Chinese Poetry: From Early Times to the Thirteenth Century, all published by Columbia.

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