INTRODUCTION

    I will give a brief introduction explaining the origins and importance of the Lotus Sutra for the world today. Some people may have not heard of the Lotus Sutra even if they have studied and practiced Buddhism for many years. The Buddha actually said this would happen and it is written within the chapters of the Lotus Sutra itself that in the evil age to come hardly anyone will revere or study it.

   Earlier sutras of Buddhism are numerous and considered the whole of the Buddha's teachings so many would not seek elsewhere for any more answers. Buddhism became divided into Hinayana and later developed into Mahayana but basically the Buddha explained in the Lotus Sutra that these both were provisional teachings and he considered them as expedient means and methods to lead people to the truth. 

   There is a lot of criticism that no Sanskrit or Pali writings have been found regarding this sutra but there have been several translations in chinese by Kumarajiva (  Born 334 CE Kashmir, India  and Died 413 CE Chang'an, China) who was imprisoned by a Chinese emperor and eventually learnt Chinese and was able to translate the Lotus Sutra from Sanskrit. Not long ago they found a Sanskrit version in Nepal dating back to the 1st-2nd century. 

   There is an interesting story that Kumarajiva was so dedicated to transcribe and translate the sutra accurately that he said that when he dies people will know his translations were genuine because his tongue will not burn when cremated. He often said this and many of his followers hoped they would not die first so that they could be around to see it happen. In fact it was found that scholars considered abbreviations made by Kumarajiva were more accurate compared to older versions of the sutra.

    Many people consider Buddhism a philosophy that they can relate to but primarily it was preached to end our sufferings. The Buddha spoke of nirvana which most people saw as extinction but this is not what the Buddha meant and he explained this in the Lotus Sutra. Some other denominations of Buddhists are quite surprised when they read it because they have been taught the provisional sutras and never entertained the Lotus Sutra. 

   When the buddha was seventy two years of age he decided to explain the whole of his teachings and enlightenment. At first he feared that those around him would not believe him so he spoke in parables, metaphors and gave examples to help those present to understand when he preached.

  When you first approach the Lotus Sutra it appears something bordering on a psychedelic trip but as you delve into it and allow yourself to absorb it slowly it starts to reveal amazing insights. At first I was unable to make head or tale of it. Then one day I decided to just read it without expectation and just absorb it to the best of my ability. Then a strange thing started to happen, I became almost drowsy and went into what I call a hypnogogic state. At first I thought it was just a one off but it happen several times when I approached the text in a willing and open minded way. Then I began to get certain realisations regarding my life and about problems that I had  repeatedly encountered. So I decided to write about my reflections and realisations that helped me the most. May I add,  that I have been looking into psychology but noticed nothing goes as deep as the truth that is revealed in the Lotus Sutra. 

For profound problems in this world we need profound answers. I will try to give an accurate account of the Lotus Sutra and with  my personal interpretations. However it is important that people open their own lives to what is written, as everyone has different characters and levels of understanding.