Free Downloads The Stories Of The Lotus Sutra
Stories are ancient and wondrous tools with the mysterious power to transform lives. And the stories and parables of the Lotus Sutra-one of the world's great religious scriptures and most influential texts-are among the most fascinating and dramatic.In this fun, engaging, and plain-English book, Gene Reeves-the translator of Wisdom's critically acclaimed and bestselling edition of the Lotus Sutra-presents the most memorable and remarkable of the Lotus Sutra's many stories and parables, along with a distillation of his decades of reflection on them in an accessible, inspiring, and naturally illuminating way.The Stories of the Lotus Sutra is the perfect companion to Reeve's breathtaking translation of this scriptural masterpiece as well as a thoroughly enjoyable stand-alone volume for those who want to bring the inspiring teachings of the bodhisattva path into their daily lives.
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Wisdom Publications (November 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0861716469
ISBN-13: 978-0861716463
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #536,491 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #18 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Religious & Inspirational > Short Stories & Anthologies > Short Stories #206 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Eastern > Buddhism > Sacred Writings #3484 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Worship & Devotion > Inspirational
In all spiritual traditions, stories have been used to communicate truth in a uniquely direct and clear way. Christians have the unforgettable parables of Jesus; Muslims have the stories of the Qur'an, and especially the Hadith; Jewish tradition is rich with stories of prophets, kings, and Hasidic rebbes; and Hindus have the massive epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. While theology and doctrine may be studied and forgotten, parables with real spiritual impact stay in one's memory, and can reveal fresh insights when re-examined. Perhaps that's why religious stories have always captured the popular imagination in a way creeds and catechisms could not.Buddhism, too, has a rich heritage of stories, but none are more beloved than those of the Lotus Sutra. The concepts and ideas of Lotus Sutra are not easy to understand, and perhaps the best way for us to approach the sutra is through its stories. The stories of the Lotus Sutra are colorful and memorable; a child could grasp the basic outline of most of them. That doesn't mean, however, that we can fully plumb the depth of these stories without an expert guide.Dr. Gene Reeves is, fortunately for us, just such a guide. And while he may be the preeminent Western scholar on the Lotus Sutra, his books are always approachable, clear, and accessible. In "The Stories of the Lotus Sutra", Dr. Reeves doesn't just re-tell the Sutra's stories in an easily understood manner; he surrounds the stories with profound commentary and insight. But this book doesn't read like a theology text--it is, as one reviewer says, "deceptively simple".What really makes "The Stories of the Lotus Sutra" a book of such lasting value is this; it is inspirational. The point of the sprawling, mind-bending symbolism of the Lotus Sutra is, as Dr. Reeves says, to get us to "think big"--to break out of our self-imposed limits and thought-patterns--to break out of our little private ego-centered worlds. Once we are dazzled by the stories, Dr. Reeves wastes no time in telling us how the Sutra's profound truths need to be manifest in our everyday lives, in other words, to truly benefit the world as Bodhisattvas (which the Lotus Sutra assures us we all are). Dr. Reeves has for years served as the International Advisor for Rissho Kosei-kai ([...] an international lay Buddhist movement with 6.5) million members all over the world, and this book is very much in harmony with Rissho Kosei-kai's practical, day-to-day approach to the Dharma.Is this a good book for someone who has never read the Lotus Sutra? Yes. Is this a good book for someone who has studied the Lotus Sutra for years? Yes. It is a book that allows us to see the Lotus Sutra not as a 2000 year old scripture, but as the living voice of enlightenment.
It's wonderful to have the stories from the Dharma Flower (Lotus) Sutra in this form. Gene Reeves is a master storyteller and wonderful translator, bringing this well-known book alive for modern-day folks. I love it!
Gene Reeves is a well known commentator and academic on the Lotus Sutra. This commentary is very readable. In approaching the Lotus Sutra, I would not hesitate to recommend this title as a first read.
Lends valuable insight to the metaphors throughout the sutra's text in a way that is easy for a 21st century practitioner or non-Buddhist to access. A lovely companion for anyone studying the Lotus Sutra.
What got me to read this book were the amazing stories of the Lotus Sutra. But in this book the stories are told in a brief manner, and after that the author develops his views on each story.It's not an easy read because it involves reflection and imagination from us, but in the end it's a rewarding experience.
This book is for anyone who is trying to figure out the meaning behind the Buddhist stories that were written thousands of years ago. Very enlightening and entertaining.
Plot? I don't think so. But I'm appreciating this translation and introduction.
Thanks !!!
The Lotus Sutra: Saddharma Pundarika Sutra or the Lotus of the True Law Scripture of the Lotus Blossom of the Fine Dharma: (The Lotus Sutra) (Translations from the Asian Classics) The Stories of the Lotus Sutra The Lotus Sutra: A Contemporary Translation of a Buddhist Classic Threefold Lotus Sutra (Chinese, English and Sanskrit Edition) Peaceful Action, Open Heart: Lessons from the Lotus Sutra Readings of the Lotus Sutra (Columbia Readings of Buddhist Literature) The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra: A Discussion, Vol. 1 Vegan Fusion World Cuisine: Extraordinary Recipes & Timeless Wisdom from the Celebrated Blossoming Lotus Restaurants Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf: Zen Poems of Ryokan Lotus in the Fire No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering The Essential Lotus White Lotus: An Explanation of the Seven-Line Prayer to Guru Padmasambhava Jewel in the Lotus/The Tantric Path to Higher Consciousness Echo: Black Lotus, Book 2 Holding the Lotus to the Rock: The Autobiography of Sokei-an, America's First Zen Master Jesus in the Lotus: The Mystical Doorway Between Christianity and Yogic Spirituality The Lotus Seed Scary Stories Box Set: Scary Stories, More Scary Stories, and Scary Stories 3
