Encyclopaedia of Buddhism: A World Faith, Volume 17: Saddharmapundarika - The Lotus Sutra

This volume provides a thematic and chapter-based study of the Saddharmapuṇḍarīka-sūtra. It begins with the origin and position of the Lotus Sutra within Mahāyāna Buddhism before examining its major teachings through the successive sections of the scripture. The discussions cover skilful means, faith and discernment, prophecies of future Buddhahood, ancient devotion, the Dharma preacher, the precious stūpa, Devadatta, peaceful practice, the emergence of bodhisattvas from the earth, the eternal lifespan of the Tathāgata, religious merit, dhāraṇīs and the exemplary practices of prominent bodhisattvas. Collectively, these chapters present the Lotus Sutra as a teaching of universal Buddhahood, compassionate action and active engagement with the world.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Nidanparivart: Homage to All Buddhas

3. Upayakaushlyparivartan: Tactfulness

4. Aupmeyaparivart: A Parable

5. Adhimuktiparivart: Faith Discernment

6. Aushadhiparivart: The Parable of Herbs

7. Vyakaranparivart: Prediction - Announcement of Future Destiny

8. Purvyogparivart: Ancient Devotion

9. Panchbhikshushatvyakaranparivart: Five Hundred Disciples and Prediction of Destiny

10. Anandadivyakaranparivart: Prediction - Arhats, Trainees and the Trained

11. Dharmbhanakparivart: The Preacher of Dharma

12. Stupsandarshanparivart: Beholding the Precious Stupa

13. Devadatta

14. Uttsahparivart: Exhortation to Hold Firm

15. Sukhviharparivart: A Peaceful and Happy Life

16. Bodhisattvaprithivivivrasmudgamparivart: Springing Up Out of the Earth

17. Tahtagataushprmanparivart: The Eternal Life Span of the Tathagata

18. Punyaparyayparivart: Discrimination of Merits

19. Anumodnapunyanirdeshparivart: Meritorious Joyful Acceptance

20. Dharmbhankanushansaparivart: Ideals of the Religious Preacher

21. Sadapribhutparivart: The Bodhisattva Never Despise

22. Tathagatdadhryabhisanskarparivart: The Divine Transcendent Powers of the Tathagata

23. Dharniparivart: Holder of the Final Commission

24. Bhaishajyarajpurvyogparivart: The Ancient Story of the Bodhisattva Medicine King

25. Gadgadsyaparivart: The Sound of Happiness

26. Samantmukhparivart: Witness of Sorrows and Pains

27. Shubhvuharajpurvyogparivart: Auspicious Ancient Devotion

28. Samantbhadrottsahanparivart: Encouragement of Samantabhadra

29. Anuprindnaparivart: Period of Dharma