Submitted by Krishna on
The Lotus Sutra is one of the oldest sutras known. It is a part of the Buddhist practice and very popular in Asian countries and in Buddhism it is a part of the religious practice too. As it is primarily an Asian concept, the translated version can be found in many Asian languages. The primary concept of the Lotus Sutra came up in India in the year 100 BC there was the first mention of the Lotus Sutra.
Gautama Buddha and Lotus Sutra
It was Gautama Buddha who first mentioned about the Lotus Sutra in his teachings. The concept had come from Buddha but normally the common people were not able to understand the sutra that time. This is exactly why the sutra was kept in the realm of the snake gods before they were brought back. Second time the people were able to interpret the true meaning of the Lotus Sutra.
Sanskrit and Chinese
The Lotus Sutra was initially in Sanskrit. Then it was first translated into Chinese. The experts believe that the Lotus Sutra became very popular as a result it was translated to many languages. It was later translated to Japanese too. The Lotus Sutra explains how exactly we should live our life. It gives some skilful means to live a divine life and attain the Bodhisattva. The Lotus Sutra is written in parables. It is the first Sutra in Buddhism.
The Immortal Buddha
The scripts of the Lotus Sutra state that Buddha attained nirvana years back but he has continued to take birth again and again so that he can teach the people of the world the essence of Buddhism. He will come time and again to teach dharma to one and all. Buddha is the father of all. He is loving and caring. This is exactly why he will keep coming again and again. The death was only the physical death of Buddha. He will keep coming again and again as he is immortal and his soul goes beyond the cycle of life and death.
The Lotus Sutra states that one who can understand the true meaning and essence of the Lotus Sutra can feel the presence of Gautama Buddha in his life. Buddha had come up with the concept of the Lotus Sutra so that he can help all his disciples to live a happy and prosperous life. The concept of Buddha is immortal and timeless. He will always keep returning to help those who need him. The Lotus Sutra is the source through which the presence of Buddha can be felt. Gautama Buddha is the ultimate truth of the world. The Lotus Sutra explains how the time can be measured and accounted for. The Buddha has hundreds of lifetimes. The Earth Bodhisattva is about billions. The numbers are huge and unbelievable.
Different Interpretations of the Lotus Sutra
Many scholars in India, Japan and China have tried to understand the meaning of the Lotus Sutra and have tried to interpret it in their own ways. The wisdom of Buddha is compiled in the Lotus Sutra. If one wants to attain the full Buddha hood they will have to understand and appreciate the meaning of the Lotus Sutra. The book explains how the Gautama Buddha will take care of his children and show them the right path. There is an existence of parent and child relationship between Buddha and his devotees. The Buddha can teach the humans, the dragons, the devils, etc. Any form can be taught by Gautama Buddha.
The Supreme Sutra
It is ok if one has studied all the Sutras. However, the Lotus Sutra is the supreme of all the sutras and it can take us on the path of moksha. If you want to understand the complete meaning of Buddhism and Gautama Buddha then you must read the original Lotus Sutra. The impact of the Lotus Sutra is huge. It has been translated and interpreted by many scholars. It is considered as one of the most powerful religious scripts in the world. You can find many books that were written on the subject.
The topic is such that the more you know about it the deeper you will get into it. It will take you years to unravel the actual meaning of the Lotus Sutra. We hope that we were able to explain some aspects of the Lotus Sutra. The aim was to make you aware of what exactly the Lotus Sutra is and how it is so significant. We hope that this will help you to understand the concept of the Lotus Sutra better. You can learn more about it from the books and the scholars who know Buddhism in and out.
Sudipta Ray
http://www.metaphysics-knowledge.com/miscellaneous/the-lotus-sutra-explained.html/