The Lotus Sutra: A Contemporary Translation of a Buddhist Classic
Just as most people who grow up in the west become familiar with the stories and sayings of the Bible, whether or not they ever sit down to read it, so the tales and language of the Lotus Sutra infuse the culture and thinking of East Asia. And for anyone coming to Buddhism from outside, it doesn't take long before they reach a level of familiarity with the Sutra's stories and parables that they might not even initially be aware of.
Through countless conversations, Dharma talks, and book references, Buddhists will hear the stories of the father enticing his children out of a burning house, the Buddhist tale of the Prodigal Son, the parable of the hidden gem, and the simile of the phantom city long before one ever actually opens the pages of the Sutra. These teachings, first translated from Sanskrit to Chinese in 255 CE, are still very much alive for all Buddhists today.
It is also, of course, a central and essential text, an object of devotion itself in Tendai and Nichiren, and of huge importance in Zen, Pure Land and other schools. And chapter 25, often used independently of the rest of the Sutra, is the most important scriptural basis for popular and widespread devotion to the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. It was to this chapter that I first turned when looking at this new translation by Gene Reeves.
The Kern translation of the verse section of this chapter begins with "Listen to the conduct of Avalokitesvara. Hear from my indication how for numerous, inconceivable Æons he has accomplished his vote..." While the Burton Watson version runs "Listen to the actions of the Perceiver of Sounds,/how aptly he responds in various quarters./His vast oath is deep as the ocean;/kalpas pass but it remains unfathomable."
Reeves translates this as "Listen to the actions of the Cry Regarder./How well he responds in every region./His great vow is as deep as the sea,/Unfathomable even after eons." It is a magnificent rendering, not least because it comes closest to what is, although designed specifically for chanting, the benchmark version by the Vermont Zen Center. But the combination of accuracy and poetry that Vermont Zen achieved with this one section, Reeves has applied throughout the entire Sutra.
Mark Unno, an ordained Shin Buddhist and an assistant professor of East Asian religions at the University of Oregon, emphasises this point when he describes this new translation as "an invaluable resource for students in the classroom as well as in the meditation hall." And Taigen Dan Leighton, of Loyola University Chigago, has called it "the new standard". Another example, drawn from chapter two, Skillful Means, illustrates their point.
In place of "It is impossible to explain it; it is unutterable" (Kern) or "This Law cannot be described,/words fall silent before it" (Burton Watson), this new translation says "This Dharma is indescribable./Words must fall silent." This is a version, clearly, that can be trusted as accurate, and used with ease for inspiration and devotion. It is clear that Dr Gene Reeves, as well as a scholar, is also a practitioner.
He is, in fact, associated with Rissho Kosei-kai, a Buddhist lay movement based on the Lotus Sutra which is very active in peace projects and with other religious groups, and Japan's second-largest religious organization. Reeves himself helped found the International Buddhist Congregation that meets every Sunday at 11am on the 5th floor of Fumon Hall, the Rissho Kosei-kai International headquarters in Tokyo, for Dharma talks, sutra recitation, and 'hoza' - personal group discussions.
"The Lotus Sutra", Reeves explained to the Japan Times in an article written while working on this new translation, "teaches that we can all reach an enlightened state, and places an emphasis on devotion and faith." And Reeves expands upon this fabulous summary in his magnificent introduction to the Sutra. Reeves talks about the text itself, its name, origin, formation, and versions, and the separate sutras that the Lotus opens and closes with, and which are included in this volume.
He then explores the historical significance of the Sutra and its fantasy setting, before looking at its key teachings of the one vehicle of many means, the one Buddha of many embodiments, and wisdom, compassion and practice. Finally, Reeves concludes his introduction by looking to the positive goals of the Sutra, the goals of reaching Buddahood, joy, and peace. And he quotes the Buddha, from chapter three, referring to all people:
"It is not my intent to lead them to extinction.
I am the king of the Dharma, free to teach the Dharma,
Appearing in the world to bring peace and comfort
To all the living."
Gene Reeves has brought this sutra alive. From the well-known stories of fathers and children, hidden gems and wise kings, to the incredible scale of its cosmic setting and cast of billions, both the prose passages and the long verse sections are rendered into such easily read and understood English that, finally, we hardly even notice the translation at all. It serves entirely to allow through the brilliant wisdom, compassion, and beauty of the original text. An essential addition for your bookshelf or altar.
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