Two Buddhas Seated Side by Side: A Guide to the Lotus Sutra
An essential companion to a timeless spiritual classic

The Lotus Sūtra is among the most venerated scriptures of Buddhism. Composed in India some two millennia ago, it asserts the potential for all beings to attain supreme enlightenment. Donald Lopez and Jacqueline Stone provide an essential reading companion to this inspiring yet enigmatic masterpiece, explaining how it was understood by its compilers in India and, centuries later in medieval Japan, by one of its most influential proponents.

In this illuminating chapter-by-chapter guide, Lopez and Stone show how the sūtra's anonymous authors skillfully reframed the mainstream Buddhist tradition in light of a new vision of the path and the person of the Buddha himself, and examine how the sūtra's metaphors, parables, and other literary devices worked to legitimate that vision. They go on to explore how the Lotus was interpreted by the Japanese Buddhist master Nichiren (1222–1282), whose inspired reading of the book helped to redefine modern Buddhism. In doing so, Lopez and Stone demonstrate how readers of sacred works continually reinterpret them in light of their own unique circumstances.

An invaluable guide to an incomparable spiritual classic, this book unlocks the teachings of the Lotus for modern readers while providing insights into the central importance of commentary as the vehicle by which ancient writings are given contemporary meaning.

1130779487
Two Buddhas Seated Side by Side: A Guide to the Lotus Sutra
An essential companion to a timeless spiritual classic

The Lotus Sūtra is among the most venerated scriptures of Buddhism. Composed in India some two millennia ago, it asserts the potential for all beings to attain supreme enlightenment. Donald Lopez and Jacqueline Stone provide an essential reading companion to this inspiring yet enigmatic masterpiece, explaining how it was understood by its compilers in India and, centuries later in medieval Japan, by one of its most influential proponents.

In this illuminating chapter-by-chapter guide, Lopez and Stone show how the sūtra's anonymous authors skillfully reframed the mainstream Buddhist tradition in light of a new vision of the path and the person of the Buddha himself, and examine how the sūtra's metaphors, parables, and other literary devices worked to legitimate that vision. They go on to explore how the Lotus was interpreted by the Japanese Buddhist master Nichiren (1222–1282), whose inspired reading of the book helped to redefine modern Buddhism. In doing so, Lopez and Stone demonstrate how readers of sacred works continually reinterpret them in light of their own unique circumstances.

An invaluable guide to an incomparable spiritual classic, this book unlocks the teachings of the Lotus for modern readers while providing insights into the central importance of commentary as the vehicle by which ancient writings are given contemporary meaning.

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Two Buddhas Seated Side by Side: A Guide to the Lotus Sutra

Two Buddhas Seated Side by Side: A Guide to the Lotus Sutra

Two Buddhas Seated Side by Side: A Guide to the Lotus Sutra

Two Buddhas Seated Side by Side: A Guide to the Lotus Sutra

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Overview

An essential companion to a timeless spiritual classic

The Lotus Sūtra is among the most venerated scriptures of Buddhism. Composed in India some two millennia ago, it asserts the potential for all beings to attain supreme enlightenment. Donald Lopez and Jacqueline Stone provide an essential reading companion to this inspiring yet enigmatic masterpiece, explaining how it was understood by its compilers in India and, centuries later in medieval Japan, by one of its most influential proponents.

In this illuminating chapter-by-chapter guide, Lopez and Stone show how the sūtra's anonymous authors skillfully reframed the mainstream Buddhist tradition in light of a new vision of the path and the person of the Buddha himself, and examine how the sūtra's metaphors, parables, and other literary devices worked to legitimate that vision. They go on to explore how the Lotus was interpreted by the Japanese Buddhist master Nichiren (1222–1282), whose inspired reading of the book helped to redefine modern Buddhism. In doing so, Lopez and Stone demonstrate how readers of sacred works continually reinterpret them in light of their own unique circumstances.

An invaluable guide to an incomparable spiritual classic, this book unlocks the teachings of the Lotus for modern readers while providing insights into the central importance of commentary as the vehicle by which ancient writings are given contemporary meaning.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780691227948
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication date: 01/11/2022
Pages: 312
Product dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Donald S. Lopez Jr. is the Arthur E. Link Distinguished University Professor of Buddhist and Tibetan Studies at the University of Michigan. His books include The "Lotus Sūtra": A Biography (Princeton). He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Jacqueline I. Stone is professor of religion at Princeton University. Her books include Original Enlightenment and the Transformation of Medieval Japanese Buddhism. She lives in Kingston, New Jersey.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

A Note on Sources xi

Authors' Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Introduction 35

Chapter 2 Skillful Means 53

Chapter 3 A Parable 74

Chapter 4 Willing Acceptance 89

Chapter 5 Herbs 97

Chapter 6 Prediction 105

Chapter 7 The Apparitional City 110

Chapters 8 and 9 The Five Hundred Disciples Receive Their Predictions and The Predictions for Those Who Still Have More to Learn and for Those Who Do Not 122

Chapter 10 Expounder of the Dharma 129

Chapter 11 The Appearance of the Jeweled Stupa 136

Chapter 12 Devadatta 149

Chapter 13 Perseverance 160

Chapter 14 Ease in Practice 166

Chapter 15 Bodhisattvas Emerging from the Earth 170

Chapter 16 The Lifespan of the Tathagata 179

Chapters 17 and 18 Description of Merits and The Merits of Joyful Acceptance 192

Chapter 19 The Benefits Obtained by an Expounder of the Dharma 201

Chapter 20 Bodhisattva Sadaparibhuta 206

Chapters 21 and 22 The Transcendent Powers of the Tathagata and Entrustment 213

Chapter 23 Ancient Accounts of Bodhisattva Bhaisajyaraja 223

Chapters 24 and 25 Bodhisattva Gadgadasvara and The Gateway to Every Direction 237

Chapter 26 Dharani 243

Chapter 27 Ancient Accounts of King Subhavyuha 249

Chapter 28 Encouragement of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra 258

Conclusion 263

Notes 267

Index 285

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"A very readable companion to this important Buddhist scripture that throws light on the fascination the text has held for generations of Buddhist thinkers and believers."—Lucia Dolce, SOAS University of London

"Lopez and Stone write with extraordinary erudition, subtlety of insight, and finesse. This beautifully crafted and engaging book is a splendid piece of work in every respect. I could not be more impressed."—Daniel B. Stevenson, University of Kansas

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