Lotus Sutra
The Saddharma Pundarika (Lotus of the True Law) is one of the most influential Mahayana sutras. Its central teachings:
- One vehicle (ekayana): all three vehicles (Theravada, Pratyekabuddha, Bodhisattva) are skillful means leading to one supreme path
- Eternal Buddha (Chapter 16): the Tathagata’s lifespan is immeasurable; parinirvana is a pedagogical device
- Universal salvation: even Devadatta and the Dragon King’s eight-year-old daughter can attain Buddhahood
Key Chapters
| Chapter | Theme |
|---|---|
| Ch. 2 - Skilfulness | Upaya: one vehicle declared |
| Ch. 3 - Burning House | Three carts parable; father saves children |
| Ch. 4 - Prodigal Son | Hidden treasure; gradual revelation |
| Ch. 11 - Stupa | Prabhutaratna confirms the teaching; two Buddhas |
| Ch. 12 - Devadatta | Dragon King’s daughter; instant enlightenment |
| Ch. 15 - Bodhisattvas | Countless bodhisattvas emerge from the earth |
| Ch. 16 - Eternal Buddha | Immeasurable lifespan; physician parable |
| Ch. 25 - Avalokiteshvara | Universal Gate; thirty-three forms |
Translated by H. Kern (Sacred Books of the East, Vol. 21, 1884). Public domain.