Title
The Essential Lotus,New
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Since its first appearance in China in the third century CE, the Lotus Sutra has been the object of intense veneration among generations of Buddhists in China, Korea, and Japan, as well as other parts of the world. It is often considered the fundamental Mahayana Buddhist sutra, has attracted more commentary than any other Buddhist scripture, and has had a profound impact on the great works of Japanese and Chinese literature. No one can understand East Asia without some knowledge of its teachings.This abridged edition of Burton Watson's acclaimed translation contains this sutra's essential chapters, derived from the most authoritative and felicitous version of the sutra, translated from Sanskrit into Chinese in 406 by the great Central Asian scholarmonk Kumarajiva. The Essential Lotus refines the focus from the sprawling magnitude of the original to the chapters that expound its core ideas and have been the most influential in the later development of Buddhist and East Asian thought. From the famous parable of the burning house to the firm assertion that women can attain the highest enlightenment, from a sermon preached in midair around a miraculously floating jeweladorned tower to the principle that the Buddha is not to be delimited in time or space, The Essential Lotus presents the riches and profundities of one of the most beautiful treasures in any religious heritage.
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- Q: What is 'The Essential Lotus' about? A: 'The Essential Lotus' is an abridged edition of the Lotus Sutra, a fundamental Mahayana Buddhist text that has been highly revered in East Asia since the third century CE. This edition distills the sutra to its core chapters, showcasing essential teachings and parables that have influenced Buddhist and East Asian thought.
- Q: Who is the author of 'The Essential Lotus'? A: The author of 'The Essential Lotus' is Burton Watson, a respected translator known for his works on Buddhist texts and East Asian literature.
- Q: What is the publication date of 'The Essential Lotus'? A: 'The Essential Lotus' was published on October 15, 2001.
- Q: How many pages does 'The Essential Lotus' have? A: 'The Essential Lotus' contains 192 pages, making it a concise yet rich exploration of its themes.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: 'The Essential Lotus' is available in paperback binding, which is lightweight and convenient for reading.
- Q: Is 'The Essential Lotus' suitable for beginners? A: Yes, 'The Essential Lotus' is suitable for beginners as it presents an abridged version of the Lotus Sutra, focusing on essential teachings that can be understood without prior knowledge of Buddhist texts.
- Q: What are some key themes covered in 'The Essential Lotus'? A: Key themes in 'The Essential Lotus' include the parable of the burning house, the assertion that women can attain enlightenment, and the idea that the Buddha transcends time and space.
- Q: Is this book a translation of the original Lotus Sutra? A: Yes, 'The Essential Lotus' is based on a translation of the Lotus Sutra originally rendered from Sanskrit into Chinese by Kumarajiva in 406 CE, focusing on the most authoritative chapters.
- Q: Can I find information about Buddhist teachings in this book? A: 'The Essential Lotus' provides insights into core Buddhist teachings and is considered an essential read for anyone interested in understanding Mahayana Buddhism.
- Q: What makes 'The Essential Lotus' different from other editions of the Lotus Sutra? A: 'The Essential Lotus' is an abridged edition that refines the content to essential chapters, making it more accessible while retaining the richness of the original teachings.