The stories of the Lotus sutra - Gene Reeves

The Lotus Sutra is one of the world's great religious scriptures and most influential texts. It has been a seminal work in the development of Buddhism throughout East Asia, and by extension in the development of Buddhism throughout the world. Taking place in a vast and fantastical cosmic setting, the Lotus Sutra places emphasis on skillfully doing whatever is needed to serve and compassionately care for others, on breaking down sharp distinctions between the ideals of the fully enlightened Buddha and the bodhisattva who vows to postpone personal salvation until all beings may share it together, and especially on each and every being's innate capacity to become a buddha. Wisdom's publication of Gene Reeve's contemporary translation of the Lotus Sutra was a landmark event, and his translation was hailed as "immediately the new standard." Yet even in perfect translation, the full meaning of any Buddhist scripture can still be challenging to grasp. Now, in this equally important volume, Reeves presents the most important themes and most remarkable and memorable stories from the Lotus Sutra along with a distillation of his decades of reflection on them in accessible, easy-to-read, "plan English" style. This book will be the perfect companion to Reeves' translation, as well an excellent stand alone introductory book.