The Lotus Sutra proclaims that a unitary intent underlies the diversity of Buddhist teachings and promises that all people without exception can achieve supreme awakening. Establishing the definitive guide to this profound text, specialists in Buddhist philosophy, art, and history of religion address the major ideas and controversies surrounding the Lotus Sutra and its manifestations in ritual performance, ascetic practice, visual representations, and social action across history. Essays survey the Indian context in which the sutra was produced, its compilation and translation history, and its influence across China and Japan, among many other issues. The volume also includes a Chinese and Japanese character glossary, notes on Western translations of the text, and a synoptic bibliography.
- Contents
- Foreword vii
- PREFACE ix
- 1. Interpreting the Lotus Sūtra 1
- 2. Expedient Devices, the One Vehicle, and the Life Span of the Buddha 62
- 3. Gender and Hierarchy in the Lotus Sūtra 83
- 4. The Lotus Sūtra and Self-Immolation 107
- 5. Buddhist Practice and the Lotus Sūtra in China 132
- 6. Art of the Lotus Sūtra 151
- 7. Bodily Reading of the Lotus Sūtra 186
- 8. Realizing This World as the Buddha Land 209
- Translations of the Lotus Sūtra into European Languages 237
- Cross-References to Citations of the Lotus Sūtra 241
- Character Glossary 247
- Bibliography 251
- Contributors 271
- Index 273
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