The "Lotus of the Wonderful (or Mystic) Law" is the most important religious book of the Far East, and has been described as "The Gospel of Half Asia". It is also the chief scripture of Buddhism in China, and therefore the chief source of consolation of the many millions of Buddhists in East Asia. It is justifiable to consider it as one of the greatest and most formative books of the world, and the text is here translated for the use of the Western student whilst an endeavour is made to reveal the contour of the most spiritual drama known in the Far East.

To many Buddhists, The Lotus Sutra is one of the most important, if not the most important, sutras in the Buddhist canon. To the beginning student of Buddhism, however, The Lotus Sutra often presents a difficult challenge. For this reason, the authors have developed "An Introduction" to The Lotus Sutra, making it easy to understand this central scripture of Mahayana Buddhism.

The Lotus Sutra is regarded as one of the world's great religious scriptures and most influential texts. It's a seminal work in the development of Buddhism throughout East Asia and, by extension, in the development of Mahayana 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 distinctions between the fully enlightened buddha and the bodhisattva who vows to postpone salvation until all beings may share it, and especially on each and every being's innate capacity to become a buddha. Gene Reeves's new translation appeals to readers with little or no familiarity with technical Buddhist vocabulary, as well as long-time practitioners and students. In addition, this remarkable volume includes the full "threefold" text of this classic.

Hailed as the King of all Sutras, the Lotus Sutra and its Opening and Closing Sutras are the most outstanding teachings expounded by Shakyamuni Buddha. This teaching encapsulates the heart and soul of the Buddha, for it reveals the Law of Lotus that enables all people to attain Buddhahood. In essence, the Lotus Sutra is a supreme teaching of Life. Original, distinctive and innovative, this is an extraordinary translation born out of true love and gratitude in the Buddha's teaching. Here are the value-added features in terms of structure and style that make reading the Lotus Sutra a wonderfully enlightening experience: 1. Notation System The notation system is a structure that empowers the readers in the assimilation of the essence of the Lotus Sutra. It is an excellent tool that facilitates meaningful flow of ideas in the Buddha's teaching. In addition to the notation system, an overview summary on the categorization of key teachings has been included in each chapter as well. 2. Literary Devices Poetry is an artistic expression of thoughts and emotions. Literary devices such as alliteration, assonance and rhyme system are weaved into the fabric of the translation, thus bringing forth the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha's spirit elegantly. With a touch of poetic beauty in the Buddha's words, the Lotus Sutra becomes a melodious voice resonating delightfully with the hearts of all readers.

Originally published in 1976, Leon Hurvitz's monumental translation of the Lotus Sutra is the work scholars have preferred for decades. Hailed by critics as an "extraordinary" and "magnificent" achievement, Hurvitz's translation is based on the best known Chinese version of the text and includes passages of the original Sanskrit that were omitted from the Chinese. Beloved for its mythology and literary artistry, the Lotus Sutra is one of the most popular and influential texts of Mahayana Buddhism, asserting that there is only one path to enlightenment, the bodhisattva path, and that all followers without exception can achieve supreme awakening. The text argues that the Buddha cannot be delimited by time and space and that a common intent underlies the diversity of Buddhist teachings. Through parables of the burning house, the wayward son, and other tales that have come to be known throughout East Asia, the sutra skillfully concretizes abstract religious concepts and clarifies bold claims about the Buddhist tradition. Urging devotees to revivify doctrine through recitation and interpretation, the sutra powered an organic process of remaking that not only kept its content alive in the poetry and art of premodern Asia but also introduced new forms of practice and scriptural study into contemporary Buddhism. Stephen F. Teiser's foreword addresses this vital quality of the sutra, discusses its background, and reflects on the enduring relevance of Hurvitz's critical work.

The Lotus of the Wonderful, or Mystic, Law is one of the most important religious books of the Far East and is also the chief scripture of Buddhism in China. This text is a translation for Western students.