The Lotus Sutra: A Contemporary Translation of a Buddhist Classic

The Lotus Sutra is one of the central texts of Mahayana Buddhism, both studied and used as a devotional text in virtually all sects and schools of Buddhism throughout East Asia. Its teachings provide a basis for key Buddhist ideas such as Buddha nature, the bodhisattva way, skillful means, and the dharma teacher. Familiarity with it is essential for understanding Zen and other varieties of Buddhism originating in East Asia. Gene Reeves' new translation makes this important text more accessible and fascinating than ever. With over two decades of research and teaching under his belt, Reeves is considered by many the world’s foremost expert on the Lotus Sutra. This translation, a testament to his expertise, provides readers from vastly different backgrounds with the opportunity to understand and utilize the wisdom of this great text.

Customer Reviews:

Best contemporary translation of the three-fold Lotus Sutra

By J. M. Schuh "Pavanputra" - January 28, 2009

Dr. Reeves is a well known and respected teacher of the 'threefold' Lotus Sutra (Sutra of Innumerable Meanings, Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma and the Sutra of Meditation on the Practice of Universal Wisdom. I have been a Rissho Kosei-kai member and Buddhist for twenty-four years. In my years of Dharma study, I have become familiar with a couple of translations of the Lotus Sutra, especially Watson (SGI) and Kato (RKK) translations. But unlike other translations of the Lotus, Reeves includes the Sutra of Innumerable Meanings and the Sutra of Meditation of the Practice of Universal Virtue in his Lotus Sutra. I deeply respect his choice since these two sutras underscore the importance of the Lotus' teachings. I can say unequivocally that the Reeves translation is the easiest to read and comprehend. Dr. Reeves does admit to flaws in his translation, but I know for a fact that he took several years painstakingly reviewing the original Kumarajiva Chinese, Japanese... read more

Clear and easy to follow

By B. Zingmark - March 4, 2010

The clarity of Reeves translation of the Lotus Sutra is very impressive. He brings out the heart of the Lotus Sutra while remaining relatively easy to follow and understand. One of the first things that stuck me was that this was done by someone who deeply thought and meditated on the meaning of the text. Reeve's work is far beyond the level of "just write it in English and move on after a bit of proofreading." I do quite a bit of translating myself, and it's clear that this is the work of someone who has come back to the text time and again, asking himself, "but what's it really saying?!"

I've studied the Kato edition of the Lotus Sutra for nearly 25 years, and enjoyed it's old-fashioned feel, but this is the version of the Lotus Sutra I'll be reading from now on.

excellent translation, excellent sutra

By M. Gonzales - October 25, 2012

Very clear translation, minimal old untranslated Buddhist terms. This translation reminds me of a Cleary translation; true to the meaning, clear language, great flow. Awesome scripture; not meant to be taken lightly.