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Which translation of Lotus Sutra
Nios
Veteran
I'm just wondering which translation of the Lotus Sutra would you recommend?
Cheers.
Cheers.
0
Comments
Hendrik Kern's translation from the Sanskrit is the best, as it translated from the Sanskrit, retaining the original terminology, Sanskrit names, and the actual dharani mantras from the original manuscripts. No other translation can match it for the sheer awesome power that comes through with the direct rendering from the original manuscripts. Also, the Kessinger reprint is absolutely marvellous, retaining the large, bold font and olde world layout of Kern's 1888 work. It is a magnificent, stirring, utterly inspiring text, and totally unsurpassed. The only thing is the introduction and notes, which are hopelessly outdated. Imbibe the text itself, which is totally faithful, and do not mind the introduction or notes.
Next, there are two superb translations from Kumarajiva's Chinese version.
First, the version in The Threefold Lotus Sutra, translated by two or three hands, published by Bunno Kato, a Japanese Buddhist publishing house. While lacking the awesome power of Kern's text, as it is twice removed from the original and many of the passages are not entirely faithful to the original, the passion and knowledge of the translators shines through making it still an immensely beguiling and astounding text. Even more, this version includes the rare Innumerable Meanings and Meditation Sutras as introduction and concluding sutras, both of which are vital to the understanding of the Lotus itself. This volume is indispensible.
Finally, there is Burton Watson's translation which, although the "freest" translation of them all, and Watson himself not a Buddhist, but rather a translator of Chinese classical texts in general, he still manages to capture all the enthusiasm, sense of wonder, miraculousness of the spirit of the Lotus and as a beginner's introduction to the world of the Lotus Sutra and Mahayana Buddhism in general, its power can hardly be overstated.
I strongly recommend to seek out all three of these versions, and study them all, either one by one, or together.
If you only want to get one, and you want the most faithful to the original, Kern's is the only option. If you want a nonscholarly, beginner's version, Watson's is the one to go for. If you want a scholarly translation of the Chinese version, by dedicated Buddhist practitioners and scholars, with the introductory and concluding sutras as well, then the Bunno Kato translation is unsurpassed.
Again, I stress that for a thorough understanding of the spirit, intent, and sheer joyousness of the Lotus Sutra, which is the pinnacle of the Mahayana sutra teaching, then all three of the above are really indispensible.
I'm not sure what exactly you got banned for, but the fact that you think signing up with a new name and then shouting at the top of your lungs "HEY MODS! I'M LOTUS BUDDHA, THE GUY YOU JUST BANNED! And instead of calmy discussing things with the Moderators in private, I'm going to leave vague messages scattered about the forum to stir up gossip and controversy!" isn't going to result in another instant ban is just hull-air-ee-uss.
Edit -
King of Tantra<SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_68700", true); </SCRIPT>
Banned
Bwahahaha. xD Called it. :PWNED:
Just pointless posting, nothing to worry about.
However, as it's your thread, please feel free to steer it any way you need...
In answer to your question, yes.
How are you?
Long time no see!
last time was a briefly snatched meeting in the Quaker Lobby in London, after the TNH talk, wasn't it..?
(Exactly how OT do you wanna take this....?
PM me if you want....!
Palzang