Abstract

This book is a modern translation of the 28 chapters of the Lotus Sutra translated by Kumarajiva. The author, who states that many translations of the Lotus Sutra are not rendered into natural Japanese, wanted to create a translation that anyone could easily read and enjoy. The novel-like translation was achieved by clearly stating the speaker in dialogue, not translating repetitive verses, and not delving into doctrinal interpretation. An explanation of terms is provided at the end. This a brand new translation of 'The Lotus Sutra' which you can read like a novel.

Author’s Information

Sachiya Hiro, born in Osaka city in 1936, is a graduate of the Department of Indian Philosophy, Faculty of Letters, the University of Tokyo, and also completed his doctoral program in Indian Philosophy at the Graduate School of Humanities, the University of Tokyo. After serving as a professor at the Meteorological College for 20 years since 1965, he is now active in writing books broadly ranging from explanations of religions, including Buddhism, to essays on Buddhist life and giving lectures around the country. His works, such as "History of Buddhism (10 volumes)", "Shaka", "Buddha" (all published by Shunjusha), "Kannon Sutra: Scripture of Miracles" (Daizou Publishing), "What is Nenbutsu" (Shinchosensho), "Advocacy of 'Madness'" (Shueisha Shinsho), "My 'Namu Myoho Renge Kyo'", "My 'Namu Amida Butsu'", "Sachiya Hiro's 'Daily Sermon'" (all published by Kosho Publishing) are popular across all ages and genders.