Lotus Sutra

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Lotus Sutra

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The Lotus Sutra (Sanskrit: सद्धर्मपुण्डरीकसूत्र , Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra) is one of the most important and influential Mahayana sutras in Buddhism. It is highly revered in various East Asian Buddhist traditions, including Chinese Buddhism, Japanese Buddhism, and Korean Buddhism. The sutra is known for its teachings on the universality of Buddhahood and the concept of the One Vehicle (Ekayāna).

Historical Context

The Lotus Sutra is believed to have been composed in India between the 1st century BCE and the 1st century CE. It was later translated into Chinese by Kumārajīva in the 5th century CE, which became the most widely used version in East Asia.

Structure and Content

The Lotus Sutra consists of 28 chapters, each addressing different aspects of Buddhist teachings. Some of the key chapters include:

• Chapter 2: Skillful Means - Discusses the use of various methods to teach the Dharma.
• Chapter 16: The Life Span of the Thus Come One - Reveals the eternal nature of the Buddha.
• Chapter 25: The Universal Gateway of the Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds - Focuses on the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara.

Key Teachings

The Lotus Sutra emphasizes several core teachings:

• Universality of Buddhahood - Asserts that all beings have the potential to attain Buddhahood.
• One Vehicle - Proclaims that all Buddhist paths ultimately lead to the same goal.
• Eternal Buddha - Introduces the concept of the Buddha's eternal presence.

Influence and Legacy

The Lotus Sutra has had a profound impact on various Buddhist traditions. In Japan, it is particularly significant in Nichiren Buddhism, founded by Nichiren, who regarded the sutra as the ultimate teaching of the Buddha. The sutra has also inspired numerous commentaries, artistic works, and practices.

Related Pages

• Buddhism
• Mahayana
• Nichiren Buddhism
• Avalokiteśvara
• Kumārajīva

See Also

• Sutra
• Bodhisattva
• Dharma