Buddhist Sutra literature (study)

by Gopika G | 2022 | 25,006 words

Summary: This essay studies the Buddhist Sutra literature with special reference to the Saddharma-Pundarika (otherwise known as the Lotus Sutra) and other Mahayana Sutras. The first chapter traces the evolution of Buddhist literature from Pali Tipitaka to Mahayana texts. The second chapter analyzes the content of Saddharmapundarika, detailing its manuscripts and translations and providing summaries of its chapters. The third chapter investigates mythological elements in Sutra literature, discussing characters, realms, and concepts such as rebirth. The fourth chapter examines Buddhist worship practices as described in the Saddharma-pundarika Sutra. The appendices include images of Buddhist stupas and Chinese manuscripts.

Source 1: exoticindiaart.com
Source 2: shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in

Contents of this online book ( + / - )

The full text of the Buddhist Sutra literature (study) in English is available here and publically accesible (free to read online). Of course, I would always recommend buying the book so you get the latest edition. You can see all this book’s content by visiting the pages in the below index:

Preface

Abstract

+ Chapter 1 - An Introduction to Buddhist Literature

. Part 1 - Introduction to Pāli Literature

. Part 2 - Introduction to the Mahāvastu

. Part 3 - Introduction to the Lalitavistara

. Part 4 - Introduction to the Jātakas

. Part 5 - Introduction to the Avadānas

. Part 6 - Introduction to the Mahāyāna Sūtras

+ Chapter 2 - Content analysis of Saddharma-puṇḍarīka Sūtra

. Part 1 - Manuscripts and Translations of the Saddharmapuṇḍarīka Sūtra

. Part 2 - Summary of Saddharmapuṇḍarīka Sūtra