Th is new translation, freely available to all seekers, includes the oral comments of several contemporary senior monks. Unfortunately, the lotus sutra is one of the most challenging buddhist texts to read due to its length, depth, and difficult prose style. It is often referred to as the avalokitesvara sutra, or kannongyo in japanese. Therefore its practitioners after the buddha has entered extinction, when they hear a sutra like this should entertain no doubts or perplexities but should with a single mind preach this sutra far. It means,the lord who looks down from heaven upon all sentient beings and hears their pleas for assistance. The layout of the book is attractive, and the typeface is extremely readable. The lotus sutra is generally accepted to be the earliest literature teaching about the doctrines of avalokitesvara. Karandavyuha sutra means buddha speaks mahayana sublime treasure king sutra in english.
Guanyin, who has been a source of inspiration and devotion for buddhists and nonbuddhists for centuries. The lotus sutra is considered by all philosophers as a crucial piece in understanding buddhist philosophy and its unique and almost poetic structure is beautifully translated by watson in a distinct way that it can be easily understood yet still greatly appreciated by both beginners and adept readers in mahayana buddhist texts. When the buddha had finished preaching this sutra, he sat with his legs crossed in lotus position and entered into the samadhi of the place of immeasurable meanings, his body. The lotus sutra book by gautama buddha thriftbooks. In it, shakyamuni expounds the ultimate truth of life to which he was enlightened. Prophecy of enlightenment for five hundred disciples. Avalokitesvara has made a great vow to assist sentient beings in difficult times and has postponed his own buddhahood until all sentient beings have reached nirvana. Le sutra du lotus expose ensuite des cas ou il peut intervenir. Its 25th chapter is popularly called the kannon sutra and often treated as an independent text. Many people suffer from pain, fear, and grief as a result of the. The lotus sutra is regarded by many others as a religious classic of great beauty and power and one of the most important and. The sutra is used in various buddhist ceremonies, including the famous shunie ceremony at todaiji temple in nara, japan. In chinese buddhism, avalokitesvara has evolved into the somewhat different female.
But in many sutras we have learned that avalokitesvara became a buddha a long time before and is a fully enlightened person. Cundi dharani sutra 18armed avalokitesvara popularity of compassion. Chapter 25 of the lotus sutra focuses on the bodhisattva avalokitesvara and became increasingly singled out as a separate, standalone text. The verse section of chapter 25 of the lotus sutra, the universal gateway of the bodhisattva regarder of the cries of the world. The karaavyuha has not been translated into english but is the subject of an indepth study in alexander studholmes book the origins of o. Books in nalandas wellstocked libraries praised avalokiteshvara as lokanatha, lord of the universe, he who protects the world.
Here, lopez provides what he calls the plot summary of the lotus sutra. Below is chapter 24 of the lotus sutra, the chapter that describes the qualities of avalokitesvara. The universal gate chapter introduces the compassionate visage of avalokitesvara bodhisattva chi. The ashtamahabodhisatva or the eight chief bodhisattvas occupy a very important place in buddhist art and iconography. Whether youre experienced with the lotus or have never endeavored to read it, youll. With very few exceptions the readings in these two editions are almost. The career and achievements of samantabhadra find an elaborate treatment in the lotus sutra, which occupies a unique position in the history of mahayana buddhist literature. Avalokitesvara 2 international association of wayist. In his hands, he would hold, a book of teaching, a conch shell, a disc, prayer beads or a necklace from a story in the lotus sutra, a lotus, and several optional items were added over the years.
Around the world, millions of mahayana buddhists chant the maha karuna dharani, the great compassion mantra of avalokitesvara chenrezig, guanyin famous for its benefits of healing, protection and purification. The patriarch who compiled the heart sutra wanted to encourage followers of tantric buddhism to practice and recite the heart sutra, so thats why he presented the heart sutra as a kind of mantra. The lotus sutra saddharma puarika sutra is one of the. New heart sutra translation by thich nhat hanh plum village.
There is no extant, full english translation at this time. White lotus sutra ch 24 international association of. The lotus sutra by anonymous meet your next favorite book. Shokai kanai, was my idea of making the actual sutra more readable and understandable. The lotus sutra is regarded by many others as a religious classic of great beauty and p. This combination of the burton translation of the lotus sutra, and the commentaries of rev. Seven sutras that are related to bodhisattva avalokitesvara.
Feb 09, 2016 the verse section of chapter 25 of the lotus sutra, the universal gateway of the bodhisattva regarder of the cries of the world. Bodhisattva tara in her white yang form or green yin form accompanied avalokitesvara, but always smaller in stature. Booklet of the avalokitesvara sutra the british library. This group consists of 1 majusri, 2 vajrapani, 3 avalokitesvara, 4 kshitigarbha, 5 sarvanivaranavishkambhin, 6 akasagarbha, 7 maitreya and 8 samantabhadra. Recitation of the prose section of chapter 25 of the lotus sutra, the allsidedness of the bodhisattva regarder of the cries of the world. Apr 30, 2007 the lotus sutra, as it is generally known in the west, is one of the most important of all the mahayana sutras, and especially in japan, where it is popularly known as the hokekyou, it has been held in high regard ever since prince shoutoku included a commentary on it in his set of commentaries on three mahayana sutras sangyougisho. Feb 05, 2016 recitation of the prose section of chapter 25 of the lotus sutra, the allsidedness of the bodhisattva regarder of the cries of the world, from. This particular chapter is the main introduction to one of the most popular bodhisattvas in buddhism, avalokitesvara. A million million ten thousand kalpas, an inconceivable time will pass before the buddhas, worldhonored ones, preach this sutra. The compassion of avalokitesvara and his wisdom as as the universal gateway of the bodhisattva perceiver of the worlds sounds are described in the 25th chapter of myoho renge kyo mystic law of the lotus flower sutra. The lotus sutra was intended to unify the various laws. The lotus sutra and millions of other books are available for amazon kindle. The verses are broken out exactly as printed in the prayer book and ive managed to print all the right kanji.
Includes the famous 25th chapter on guan yin avalokiteshvara, who hears all. A guide to the threefold lotus sutra rissho koseikai. In china, avalokitesvara known there as guan yin or kuanyin is, perhaps, by the numbers, the most popular deity in all of asia. More contentspopular due to immeasurable benefitsthe maha karuna dharani sutradifferent versions, languages and translationsgreat compassion dharani sutramaha karuna dharani sutra around the world, millions of mahayana buddhists chant the maha karuna dharani, the great compassion mantra of avalokitesvara chenrezig, guanyin famous for its benefits of healing, protection and. Avalokitesvara is one of the most popular bodhisattvas in buddhism. The story of the lotus sutra is basically that of minutes of an executive meeting in. The entire book, lotus sutra can be downloaded from here. The lotus sutra is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential sutras, or sacred scriptures, of buddhism. The key is to achieve oneness with your buddhanature.
The lotus sutra has essentially defined east asian buddhism with its imagery, devotional passages, and ideas regarding equality between men and women as well as enlightenment for all beings. The lotus sutra translated by burton watson including rev. The origin of the text is not entirely known, though its speculated that this was composed by a tendai priest as a possible summary to the 25th chapter of the lotus sutra, and its devotional expression toward avalokitesvara. This short chapter of sutra, chanted and memorized throughout east asia, is believed to be a strong protection of our body and mind. Sutra 7 posted 042007, updated 122011 book information on home page sutra of the prophecy bestowed upon avalokitesvara bodhisattva translated from sanskrit into chinese in the liu song dynasty by the srama. Avalokiteshvaras protean abilities in the lotus sutra indicate a remarkable. The heart sutra made a late appearance at a time when tantric buddhism had begun to flourish. Elevenfaced avalokitesvara heart dharani sutra wikipedia.
The universal gate just mentioned is only one f the twenty eight chapters of the lotus sutra. In mahayana buddhism, bodhisattva avalokitesvara is one of the most eminent bodhisattvas whose presence is palpable in many of the famous. The ten verse kannon sutra buddhism for the rest of us. Despite the name, it is not a standalone text, but simply a famous chapter in the larger lotus sutra.
Seven sutras that are related to bodhisattva avalokitesvara lotus. Th e sutra of the medicine buddha is among the most popular texts in east asia, along with the amitabha, the ksitigarbha and the lotus sutras. The lotus sutra culminates in the announcement of the incoming of the greatest and most compassionate of all spiritual beings in heaven. The earliest known text containing this mantra is the karaavyuha sutra. Shadakshari lokeshvara poised between rows of text from the ashtasahasrika prajnaparamita perfection of wisdom sutra glows in gemlike colors painted with opaque watercolor on a palm leaf. The mantra om mani padme hum is the most popular mantra in tibetan buddhism, it means homage to the jewel in the lotus. I found the glossary in the back helpful to understand some of the buddhist jargon both english and sanskrit used in the translation. Self publishing, book printing and publishing online lulu. Kannon bodhisattva bosatsu goddess of mercy, one who. Although the sutra has twentyeight chapters, it appears to end with chapter twentytwo, when the buddha exhorts his disciples to spread the teaching, after which they return to. Book a shtamahabodhisttva the great bodhisattva in art. Have purchased many items over the years from you with great expectation and pleasure and received them promptly as advertised. Saddharmapuarikasutra scripture of the white lotus of the marvelous law into chinese in 406 c.
Avalokitesvara compassion practices can enhance treatment. The strongest japanese proponent of chanting the title of lotus flower sutra was nichiren in the th century. For more information about the lotus sutras appearance and acceptace in mainstream buddhism, see page avalokitesvara. The lotus sutras universal gate chapter on avalokitesvara bodhisattva at that time, aksayamati bodhisattva rose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, put his palms together facing the buddha, and said, worldhonored one, for what reason is avalokitesvara bodhisattva named observing the sounds of the world. The story of the lotus sutra is basically that of minutes of an executive meeting in heaven where all buddhas and bodhisattvas from all the worlds and heavens of this. The lotus sutra, verse section of chapter 25 concerning. The universal gate sutra provides a description of avalokitesvara bodhisattva and how he serves as a universal gate of benefits for sentient beings. The sutras key message is that buddhahood, the supreme state of life characterized by boundless compassion, wisdom and courage, is inherent within every person without.
In translating the chinese text into english we used the kasuga edition of kumarajivas version of the lotus sutra as the basic text, rather than the taisho edition. The book itself drew readers, as you read the text, it provided the reader with knowledge that may not be found in any other doctrines. It is probably the second most chanted mantra, after om mani padme hum which is a short mantra of avalokitesvara. Prajnaparamita hrdaya sutra heart sutra avaolokitesvara ekadasamukha dharani sutra. Free book publishing and global distribution with easy to use tools. Guanyin also refers to the bodhisattva as adopted by other eastern religions. Sutra of the prophecy bestowed upon avalokitesvara. In chapter 25 of the lotus sutra, bodhisattva avalokitesvara guan yin, kwan yin vows to protect anyone through his profound compassion and immeasurable divine powers, so long as one singlemindedly and wholeheartedly chants the name of avalokitesvara. The remainder of the sutra is devoted to enumerating the many benefits that await those who honor the lotus sutra and the sad fate that awaits those who disparage it.
The universal gate a commentary on avalokitesvaras. This is amahayanasutra which extols the virtues and powers ofavalokitesvara, and is particularly notable for introducing themantraom mani padme huminto the sutra tradition. About the book the compassionate visage of avalokitesvara bodhisattva, better known as guanyin in chinese has been a source of inspiration and devotion for centuries. Lotus sutra, lotus of the good law or true doctrine sutra, one of the earlier mahayana buddhist texts venerated as the quintessence of truth by the japanese tendai chinese tientai and nichiren sects. Oct 29, 2017 this is a mahayana sutra which extols the virtues and powers of avalokitesvara, and is particularly notable for introducing the mantra om mani padme hum into the sutra tradition. The lotus sutra more than any other work is responsible for the distinctiveness of east asian buddhism. Jun 19, 20 for more information about the lotus sutras appearance and acceptace in mainstream buddhism, see page avalokitesvara. On the gridakuta mountain where the buddha delivered the lotus sutra, shakyumani was playing the main role, the role of the buddha, and avalokitesvara played the role of a bodhisattva. The karaavyuha contains elements which are later equated. The full name of the sutra 25th chapter is kanzeon bosatsu fumon bon, wherein are listed kannons 33 basic forms.
Comparative study of the compassion sutra mahayana maha. Avalokitesvara is associated with many sutras and mantras including the lotus sutra, the heart sutra, the great compassion mantra, and the sixsyllable mantra. Chapter 25 of the lotus sutra is a popular devotional text in east asian buddhism. And i have also explained earlier the benefits gained by those who uphold the sutra, namely, purification of their eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body. The lotus sutras universal gate chapter on avalokitesvara. On 11th september thay completed a profound and beautiful new english translation of the heart sutra, one of the most important sutras in mahayana buddhism this new english translation is based on the new vietnamese translation that thay began working on three weeks ago at the european institute of applied buddhism in germany below the sutra you can read thays. The universal gate provides a new translation of avalokitesvaras universal gate sutra, the buddhs scriptural account of this celebrated sage and his power to manifest in whatever form is necessary to. Guanyin is the buddhist bodhisattva associated with compassion. These are found in the lotus sutra chapter 25 chinese. The lotus sutra, prose section of chapter 25 concerning. Saddharma pandarikia lotus sutra karandavyuha sutra. Lotus sutra, sanskrit saddharmapuarikasutra, lotus of the good law or true doctrine sutra, one of the earlier mahayana buddhist texts venerated as the quintessence of truth by the japanese tendai chinese tientai and nichiren sects. Avalokitesvara with vase abounds in japanese iconography for ex. The lotus sutra, as it is generally known in the west, is one of the most important of all the mahayana sutras, and especially in japan, where it is popularly known as the hokekyou, it has been held in high regard ever since prince shoutoku included a commentary on it in his set of commentaries on three mahayana sutras sangyougisho.
Avalokiteshvara, bodhisattva of compassion introduction. Excellent website with vast variety of goods to view and purchase, especially books and idols of hindu deities are amongst my favourite. In the east asian world, guanyin is the equivalent term for avalokitesvara bodhisattva. When monks, nuns, laymen or laywomen uphold the lotus sutra, if anyone should speak ill of them, curse or slander them, he will suffer severe recompense for his crime, as i have explained earlier. The lotus sutras universal gate chapter on avalokitesvara bodhisattva. A spiritual solution to purify, heal, and protect you and your loved ones from the coronavirus covid 19 in december 2019, a lethal coronavirus appeared mysteriously in wuhan and spread like wild fire throughout the world. The lotus sutra goodreads meet your next favorite book. Overall, the aspect of the lotus sutra was fascinated. White lotus sutra ch 24 international association of wayist. This chapter is devoted to avalokitesvara, describing him as a compassionate bodhisattva who hears the cries of sentient beings, and who works. The deitys name in chinese is guanyin, short for guanshiyin, which means perceiver of the worlds sounds and refers to his ability to hear the prayers of any being calling upon him for help. The sutras key message is that buddhahood, the supreme state of life characterized by boundless compassion, wisdom and courage, is. Avalokitesvara or padmapani is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all buddhas.
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