Introduction to the Lotus Sutra
The Lotus Sutra—one of the most popular Buddhist classics—is here accessibly introduced by one of its most eminent scholars.

"Soon after entering university in December of 1943, I was sent to the front as a student soldier. I wondered if I were allowed to bring but a single book on the trip, possibly to my death, which would I want to bring. It was the Lotus Sutra" — from the author's Preface.
Having developed a lifelong appreciation of the Lotus Sutra — even carrying a dog-eared copy with him through service in World War II — Yoshiro Tamura sought to author an introduction to this beloved work of Buddhist literature. Tamura wanted it to be different than other basic explorations of the text; his introduction would be plain-spoken, relevant and sensitive to modern concerns, and well-informed by contemporary scholarship. He succeeded marvelously with Introduction to the Lotus Sutra, which Gene Reeves — Tamura's student and translator of the popular English edition of The Lotus Sutra — translates and introduces in English for the first time here.
Tackling issues of authenticity in the so-called "words of Buddha," the influence of culture and history on the development of the Lotus Sutra, and the sutra's role in Japanese life, Introduction to the Lotus Sutra grounds this ancient work of literature in the real, workaday world, revealing its continued appeal across the ages.
1119565866
Introduction to the Lotus Sutra
The Lotus Sutra—one of the most popular Buddhist classics—is here accessibly introduced by one of its most eminent scholars.

"Soon after entering university in December of 1943, I was sent to the front as a student soldier. I wondered if I were allowed to bring but a single book on the trip, possibly to my death, which would I want to bring. It was the Lotus Sutra" — from the author's Preface.
Having developed a lifelong appreciation of the Lotus Sutra — even carrying a dog-eared copy with him through service in World War II — Yoshiro Tamura sought to author an introduction to this beloved work of Buddhist literature. Tamura wanted it to be different than other basic explorations of the text; his introduction would be plain-spoken, relevant and sensitive to modern concerns, and well-informed by contemporary scholarship. He succeeded marvelously with Introduction to the Lotus Sutra, which Gene Reeves — Tamura's student and translator of the popular English edition of The Lotus Sutra — translates and introduces in English for the first time here.
Tackling issues of authenticity in the so-called "words of Buddha," the influence of culture and history on the development of the Lotus Sutra, and the sutra's role in Japanese life, Introduction to the Lotus Sutra grounds this ancient work of literature in the real, workaday world, revealing its continued appeal across the ages.
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Overview

The Lotus Sutra—one of the most popular Buddhist classics—is here accessibly introduced by one of its most eminent scholars.

"Soon after entering university in December of 1943, I was sent to the front as a student soldier. I wondered if I were allowed to bring but a single book on the trip, possibly to my death, which would I want to bring. It was the Lotus Sutra" — from the author's Preface.
Having developed a lifelong appreciation of the Lotus Sutra — even carrying a dog-eared copy with him through service in World War II — Yoshiro Tamura sought to author an introduction to this beloved work of Buddhist literature. Tamura wanted it to be different than other basic explorations of the text; his introduction would be plain-spoken, relevant and sensitive to modern concerns, and well-informed by contemporary scholarship. He succeeded marvelously with Introduction to the Lotus Sutra, which Gene Reeves — Tamura's student and translator of the popular English edition of The Lotus Sutra — translates and introduces in English for the first time here.
Tackling issues of authenticity in the so-called "words of Buddha," the influence of culture and history on the development of the Lotus Sutra, and the sutra's role in Japanese life, Introduction to the Lotus Sutra grounds this ancient work of literature in the real, workaday world, revealing its continued appeal across the ages.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781614290803
Publisher: Wisdom Publications MA
Publication date: 07/15/2014
Pages: 208
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Michio Shinozaki is a long-time member of Rissho-Kosei Kai, a popular Japanese lay Buddhist organization, and president of the Rissho Kosei-kai Gakurin Seminary in Tokyo. Shinozaki has authored numerous articles on Japanese Buddhist practice for English speaking members of the organization.

Michio Shinozaki is a long-time member of Rissho-Kosei Kai, a popular Japanese lay Buddhist organization, and president of the Rissho Kosei-kai Gakurin Seminary in Tokyo. Shinozaki has authored numerous articles on Japanese Buddhist practice for English speaking members of the organization.

Michio Shinozaki is a long-time member of Rissho-Kosei Kai, a popular Japanese lay Buddhist organization, and president of the Rissho Kosei-kai Gakurin Seminary in Tokyo. Shinozaki has authored numerous articles on Japanese Buddhist practice for English speaking members of the organization.

Michio Shinozaki is a long-time member of Rissho-Kosei Kai, a popular Japanese lay Buddhist organization, and president of the Rissho Kosei-kai Gakurin Seminary in Tokyo. Shinozaki has authored numerous articles on Japanese Buddhist practice for English speaking members of the organization.

Table of Contents

Introduction 3

Tamura's Preface 7

Introduction to the Lotus Sutra

I Formation of the Lotus Sutra

1 Are Sutras the Words of the Buddha? 13

Some of the Wonders of Buddhism 13

Mahayana Buddhism Is Not the Words of the Buddha 16

Return to Early Buddhism 20

The Meaning of the Words of the Buddha 23

1 The Process of Formation of the Lotus Sutra 29

The Rise of Mahayana Buddhism 29

The Formation of Mahayana Sutras 37

The Formation of the Lotus Sutra 44

Chinese Translations and Sanskrit Manuscripts of the Lotus Sutra 54

II Ideas of the Lotus Sutra

3 Three Major Teachings in the Lotus Sutra 59

Appraisals of Lotas Ideas 59

The Unifying Truth of the Universe-The Wonderful Dharma of One Vehicle 65

Everlasting Personal Life-The Everlasting Original Buddha 80

Human Action in Tins World-The Bodhisattva Way 101

4 The Development of Lotus Sutra Thought 109

The Genealogy of Lotus Sutra Thought 109

Lotus Sutra Thought in Tiantai 113

Lotus Sutra Thought in Nichiren 120

III The Lotus Sutra among Followers of Nichiren

5 Town Associations and Lotus Uprisings 129

6 The Martyrdom of the Fuju-fuse 133

7 Nationalist Faith among Modern Japanese Followers of Nichiren 139

8 Transnational Faith among Modern Japanese Followers of Nichiren 143

9 People-Centered Faith-Socialist Followers of Nichiren 151

Notes 161

Bibliography 173

Index 177

About the Authors 193

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