The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra : A Philosophical Exposition

The Lotus Sūtra is one of the most important sūtras in Mahāyāna Buddhism. Translated by Kumārajīva in the 5 th century, its teachings have inspired many Buddhist scholars such as Chih-i and Saichō from the Tiantai (Tendai) tradition, Dōgen from the Zen tradition and Nichiren the 13 th century Kamakura founder and reformer. There is a relative lack of scholarly works that are devoted to an examination of how its philosophical ideas were received and developed throughout history. This book remedies that lack by tracing the origin and development of Lotus Sūtra thought, and interprets the text from the perspective of the doctrine of Buddha-nature in Mahāyāna Buddhism. Preface Acknowledgments Contents Chapter 1: Introduction The Three Main Commentators of the Lotus Sūtra References Chapter 2: The Seven Parables of the Lotus Sūtra Introduction The Seven Parables Vasubandhu’s Commentary on the Lotus Sūtra Conclusion References Chapter 3: Three Thousand Worlds in One Thought Moment Introduction On Chih-i’s Classification of Buddhist Teachings One Lotus Sūtra, Two Sections Three Thousand Realms in One Thought Moment Chih-i’s “The Great Calming and Contemplation” Conclusion References Chapter 4: Attaining Buddhahood in One’s Present Form Introduction Saichō’s Attaining Buddhahood in One’s Present Form (Sokushin Jōbutsu) Saichō’s Sokushin Jōbutsu and Esoteric Buddhism Attaining Buddhahood in One’s Present Form Dōgen’s Attaining Buddhahood in One’s Present Form Conclusion References Chapter 5: The Three Great Secret Teachings Introduction Nichiren’s Critical Adaptation of Tendai Teachings The Three Great Secret Teachings Conclusion References Chapter 6: The Lotus Sūtra in Practice Introduction References Chapter 7: Faith in the Lotus Sūtra Introduction Faith in the Lotus Sūtra The Practice of the Lotus Sūtra References Chapter 8: The Wisdom of the Lotus Sūtra References Index