Lalitavistara Sūtra

Lalitavistara - 136 N-104, The Gods offer the Buddha four Bowls (8599472134)

023 Lalitavistara, Bodhisattva in Tusita Heaven

Lalitavistara Sūtra is a Mahayana Buddhist Sutra that details the life of Gautama Buddha from his descent from Tushita Heaven to his first sermon in the Deer Park at Sarnath. It is considered one of the most important texts in Mahayana Buddhism and is part of the broader collection of texts known as the Buddhist Scriptures. The title "Lalitavistara" translates to "The Play in Full" or "The Elaborate Play", indicating the detailed and dramatic narrative style of the text.

Composition and History

The Lalitavistara Sūtra is believed to have been composed in its current form between the 3rd century BCE and the 2nd century CE, although the story it tells predates this period significantly. It is written in Sanskrit, but like many Buddhist texts, it has been translated into a variety of languages over the centuries, including Tibetan and Chinese. The text is attributed to the Dharmaguptaka school of Buddhism but has been revered and studied by practitioners of many different Mahayana traditions.

Content

The narrative of the Lalitavistara Sūtra covers the life of the Buddha from before his birth, his youth and renunciation, his quest for enlightenment, the attainment of enlightenment, and his first teachings. One of the most famous episodes detailed in the text is the Buddha's defeat of Mara, the demon who tempted him with the forces of passion, fear, and pride, just before his enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.

The text also includes elaborate descriptions of the Buddha's teachings and miracles, as well as dialogues between the Buddha and various gods, humans, and other beings. It presents a cosmology that includes multiple worlds and states of being, emphasizing the vast scope of the Buddha's enlightenment and compassion.

Significance

The Lalitavistara Sūtra is significant for several reasons. It provides one of the most detailed and poetic accounts of the Buddha's life, offering insights into his teachings and the spiritual journey towards enlightenment. The text is also important for its role in the development of the Bodhisattva ideal in Mahayana Buddhism, presenting the Buddha as a supreme Bodhisattva who chooses to be reborn for the benefit of all beings.

Furthermore, the Lalitavistara Sūtra has been influential in the art and culture of Buddhist countries, inspiring countless representations of the Buddha's life in sculpture, painting, and literature. Its narrative has been a source of spiritual inspiration for Buddhists around the world.

In Literature and Art

The Lalitavistara Sūtra has had a profound impact on Buddhist literature and art, particularly in the Gandhara and Central Asian regions, as well as in Tibet and East Asia. The narrative scenes from the Buddha's life as depicted in the text have been a popular subject for relief sculptures on stupas and temples, illustrating key moments such as the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and first teaching.

See Also

• Buddhist Scriptures
• Mahayana Sutras
• Gautama Buddha
• Bodhisattva