The Lotus Sutra

The Lotus Sutra is one of the most widely read and influential scriptures of Mahayana Buddhism. Its Sanskrit title is Saddharmapuṇḍarīka Sūtra, “the sutra of the lotus of the true Dharma”. It probably took shape in India over the first centuries of the Common Era. Its best-known Chinese translation was made by Kumārajīva in about 406 CE, and this version shaped Buddhism across China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam.

One vehicle

A central teaching of the Lotus Sutra is the “one vehicle”. Earlier teachings spoke of different paths, such as that of the disciple who becomes an arahant and that of the bodhisattva. The sutra presents these as skilful means (upāya): teachings fitted to the needs of different listeners. In the end, it says, there is only one vehicle, and all beings are destined to become Buddhas.

Parables

The sutra teaches largely through stories. In the parable of the burning house, a father lures his children out of a house on fire by promising them different carts, then gives them all one splendid carriage. In the parable of the lost son, a wealthy man gradually prepares his son, who has forgotten his origins, to receive his inheritance. Other parables speak of a magic city on a long road and a jewel sewn into a sleeping man's clothes.

The Buddha's long life

In a later part of the sutra, the Buddha reveals that he did not first awaken in this life. He awakened immeasurable ages ago, and his appearance of being born and passing away is itself a skilful means, so that people will not take his presence for granted. Many traditions read this as describing the Buddha's enduring presence.

A chapter devoted to Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, has also circulated widely as a text in its own right.

Its influence

The Lotus Sutra is the main scripture of the Tiantai school in China and the Tendai school in Japan. It is also central to the Nichiren traditions, which place great importance on chanting its title. Its stories have shaped art, literature and devotion throughout East Asia.

Because it is long, many readers begin with a few chapters, such as the parables, and read them with a good introduction. Complete English translations are available.