
The Lotus Sutra
The White Lotus Sutra of the True Dharma
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Narrated by:
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Taradasa
About this listen
The Lotus Sūtra is one of the most important Mahāyāna texts and the most widely read, chanted and revered, particularly in Asian Buddhist countries, notably China and Japan. It is certainly a remarkable document, replete with the Mahāyāna characteristics of fantastical images, extraordinary appearances, magical happenings, views of time and space which are galactic in size; and pronouncements which are definite, unequivocal, practical in some areas and dependent upon a faith commitment in others.
First and foremost, it proclaims the one yāna or vehicle of the Mahāyāna teaching as pre-eminent, over other teachings, especially those following the paths of the śravakayāna (the hearers – the bhikshus) and the pratyekabuddhas (those attaining enlightenment through a solitary path); but also the lay men and lay women. These are the ‘four classes of assembly’ who, according the Lotus Sūtra, have been following the ‘preliminary’ teachings presented by the Buddha Śakyamuni as an ‘expedient’ (skilful means). The Lotus Sūtra sees the Buddha, teaching from the Gridhrakuta, the Vulture Peak, the full teaching of the Mahāyāna which leads unerringly (if over aeons in larger numbers than the sands of the Ganges!) to nirvāna. Contained within the 27 chapters are many of the principal Buddhist teachings seen in all the schools across the world: the four noble truths, the 12 nidāna chain, the six paramitās or perfections; again and again the qualities of mindfulness, diligence, patience and spiritual vigour or energy are propounded – without these, nirvāna is not attainable. In short, the path to enlightenment is not for the faint-hearted. Around these core teachings are magical stories of numerous Buddhas from different time eras appearing to support the teaching of Śakyamuni; bodhisattvas appearing from cracks in the ground; the Buddha Prabhūtaratna, a Buddha of the far past, appearing in a jeweled stūpa; celestial chariots flitting around the sky; and the familiar bodhisattvas of Manjuśri, Maitreya, Bhaishajyarāja and many others all have a place in this ultimate cosmic drama.
The Lotus Sūtra is an extraordinary vision, far from the more practical, straightforward texts of the Pāli Canon. For those not accustomed to extreme Mahāyāna images it can appear very strange indeed. But for those prepared to go with it, it is remarkably absorbing with a particular charisma and, without belittling it, even charm. Nevertheless, it is a pinnacle of world Buddhist literature. The Lotus Sūtra was originally a Sanskrit text, Saddharma Pundarīka, which is translated variously – here, it is The White Lotus Sūtra of the True Dharma, though it is generally known by its short version. Its popularity in the East is based on a 5th century translation by the respected Chinese translator Kumarājīva, and most of the recent English translations have come from this Chinese source. However, the first Western translations (from a Sanskrit text originating from Nepal) were by Eugène Burnouf into French in the 1852; and then, using the same source, by the Dutch translator Hendrik Kern into English in 1884. It is this Kern translation, largely still accepted as sound, that has provided the basis for this Dharma Audiobooks rendering. We have felt free to modernize the 19th century language, and clarified some of the technical terms, using words more current in 21st century Buddhist circles; also, where Kern – not a practicing Buddhist – seems to have been unclear about views or practices, these have been modernized. This new rendering, read with understanding and clarity by Taradasa, is the first time the Lotus Sūtra has been available in English on audio in a professional production.
To further aid the understanding and enjoyment of The Lotus Sūtra, a pdf containing the entire recorded text is available with the download of the audio.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
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- Narrated by: Taradasa
- Length: 24 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
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The Long Discourses of the Buddha (Dīgha Nikāya) is the first of the five Nikāyas (Collections) in the Sutta Pitaka and has its own particular character. Unlike the others which contain thousands of shorter discourses (suttas), it comprises just 34 but of much longer length - as the name indicates! This makes it in some ways a more focused collection of teachings of the Buddha and especially accessible in audio.
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Good in the beginning, good in the middle...
- By Boguslaw on 05-28-21
By: Bhikkhu Sujato
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The Diamond Sutra, The Heart Sutra, The Sutra of Hui Neng
- Three Key Prajnā Pārāmitā Texts from the Zen Tradition
- By: Anonymous
- Narrated by: Ratnadhya
- Length: 5 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
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These three sutras are the most important texts for the Chan (Chinese) and Zen (Japanese) Buddhist traditions, though they are very different in character and provenance. The Diamond Sutra (Vajracheddikā Prajña Pārāmitā Sutra in Sanskrit) has the distinction of being 'the earliest complete survival of a dated (11 May 868) printed book’. It was found in the Dunhuang Caves in China in 1900. The title, Diamond Cutter, outlines its purpose, which is to cut through ignorance to attain to perfect wisdom or ultimate reality.
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the concept away from concepts freedom
- By UBS on 12-05-19
By: Anonymous
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Lotus Sutra for Beginners
- Unlocking the Wisdom of the Buddha's Most Powerful Teaching
- By: Lauren Christensen
- Narrated by: Virtual Voice
- Length: 4 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
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For over two millennia, the Lotus Sutra has been the cornerstone of Buddhist thought, guiding millions toward enlightenment and inner peace. Now, in a clear and captivating voice, Lotus Sutra for Beginners brings the timeless teachings of this sacred text to life for a modern audience. Whether you’re new to Buddhism or seeking deeper understanding, this book delivers the essence of the Lotus Sutra in a way that feels both profound and practical. Unlock the wisdom of the Buddha through the powerful parables of the Lotus Sutra. From the Burning House to the Jeweled Stupa, discover stories ...
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The Diamond Sutra
- By: Red Pine
- Narrated by: Brian Arens
- Length: 12 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
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Zen Buddhism is often said to be a practice of mind-to-mind transmission without reliance on text—in fact, some great teachers forbid their students to read or write. But Buddhism has also inspired some of the greatest philosophical writings of any religion, and two such works lie at the center of Zen: The Heart Sutra, which monks recite all over the world, and The Diamond Sutra, said to contain answers to all questions of delusion and dualism. This is the Buddhist teaching on the perfection of wisdom and cuts through all obstacles on the path of practice.
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all of it
- By Realcheese on 02-12-25
By: Red Pine
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The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha
- A Translation of the Majjhima Nikāya
- By: Bhikkhu Ñānamoli, Bhikkhu Bodhi
- Narrated by: Taradasa
- Length: 47 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
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This book offers a complete translation of the Majjhima Nikāya, or Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, one of the major collections of texts in the Pāli Canon, the authorised scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. This collection - among the oldest records of the historical Buddha's original teachings - consists of 152 suttas or discourses of middle length, distinguished as such from the longer and shorter suttas of the other collections.
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I can't believe it's FINALLY an audible book!
- By Yetanotherguy on 12-08-19
By: Bhikkhu Ñānamoli, and others
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Shōbōgenzō
- The Treasure House of the Eye of the True Teaching
- By: Eihei Dōgen
- Narrated by: Brian Nishii
- Length: 55 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
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The Shōbōgenzō is the recognized spiritual masterpiece by the 13th- century Japanese Sōtō Zen Master Eihei Dōgen. It is comprised of discourses that he gave to his disciples, in person or in writing, at various times between 1231 and his death 22 years later at age 53. These discourses cover a wide range of topics pertinent to those in monastic life, though often also relevant to those training in lay life.
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I'm just amazed
- By Amazon Customer on 05-01-21
By: Eihei Dōgen
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The Three Pure Land Sutras
- The Smaller and Larger Sukhavativyuha Sutras, Meditation on the Buddha Amitayus
- By: Uncredited
- Narrated by: Taradasa
- Length: 3 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
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Theravada, Tibetan and Zen may be the most well-known forms of Buddhism in the West, but in many parts of the East it is the Pure Land schools which dominate. Though their roots are clearly embedded in the initial teachings of the historical figure of Shakyamuni, the richly devotional nature of Pure Land Buddhism lends a unique character to its approach and practice.
By: Uncredited
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The Numbered Discourses
- A Translation of the Aṅguttara Nikāya
- By: Bhikkhu Sujato
- Narrated by: Taradasa
- Length: 56 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
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The Numbered Discourses (Aṅguttara Nikāya) is the last and longest of the four primary divisions of the Sutta Piṭaka, (Baskets of Discourses) that make up the main original teachings of the Buddha. The word aṅguttara literally means 'up by one factor', i.e. 'incremental'. It refers to the fact that the discourses are arranged by numbered sets, with the numbers increasing by one.
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The best of meditation guides…
- By Munair on 12-26-23
By: Bhikkhu Sujato
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Training the Mind
- & Cultivating Loving-Kindness
- By: Chögyam Trungpa, Judith L. Lief - editor, Pema Chödrön - foreword
- Narrated by: Roger Clark
- Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
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The 59 provocative slogans presented here - each with a commentary by the Tibetan meditation master Chgyam Trungpa - have been used by Tibetan Buddhists for eight centuries to help meditation students remember and focus on important principles and practices of mind training. They emphasize meeting the ordinary situations of life with intelligence and compassion under all circumstances. Slogans include, "Don't be swayed by external circumstances," "Be grateful to everyone," and "Always maintain only a joyful mind."
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A great experience
- By Sunnycanuck on 05-27-15
By: Chögyam Trungpa, and others
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Surangama Sutra
- By: Charles Luk - translator
- Narrated by: Ratnadhya
- Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
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The Surangama Sutra, one of the most important works of Mahayana Buddhism, dates from some time before the 8th Century when the first Chinese translation was written, probably from an Indian original. It has long been a seminal work for Buddhist practitioners in East and South-East Asia, especially China and Korea. Indeed this “Sutra of the Indestructible”, as it is often translated, is regarded as a staple manual of practice for newly-ordained monks of the Ch'an and Zen schools, giving instruction, through the words of the Buddha himself.
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good for the collector or practicioner
- By stinkypete on 07-07-24
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In the Buddha's Words
- An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon
- By: Bhikkhu Bodhi - editor and translator
- Narrated by: Fajer Al-Kaisi
- Length: 18 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
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This landmark collection is the definitive introduction to the Buddha's teachings - in his own words. The American scholar-monk Bhikkhu Bodhi, whose voluminous translations have won widespread acclaim, here presents selected discourses of the Buddha from the Pali Canon, the earliest record of what the Buddha taught. Divided into 10 thematic chapters, In the Buddha's Words reveals the full scope of the Buddha's discourses, from family life and marriage to renunciation and the path of insight.
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Poor pronunciation
- By Amazon Customer on 08-27-17
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The Rig Veda
- By: Anonymous
- Narrated by: Sagar Arya
- Length: 41 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
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These 1028 poems, grouped as 10 ‘Circles’ (mandalas), have variously been called hymns, poems or songs by Sanskrit scholars. The Rik (so pronounced by the ancient Angirases clans, or Seer-Priest families) was an experiment with sound. The emphasis is always on sounding the words perfectly. The focus tends to be on the ideas rather than on the authors in Vedic literature, they are largely religious in nature, reflecting the world view and spiritual preoccupations of ancient India.
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Challenging Enunciation; Listen with Good Speakers
- By Hannah on 07-02-21
By: Anonymous
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The Way of the Bodhisattva
- Shambhala
- By: Shantideva, Padmakara Translation Group, the Dalai Lama - foreword, and others
- Narrated by: Wulstan Fletcher
- Length: 3 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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Treasured by Buddhists of all traditions, The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara) is a guide to cultivating the mind of enlightenment and to generating the qualities of love, compassion, generosity, and patience. This text has been studied, practiced, and expounded upon in an unbroken tradition for centuries, first in India, and later in Tibet. Presented in the form of a personal meditation in verse, it outlines the path of the Bodhisattvas - those who renounce the peace of individual enlightenment and vow to work for the liberation of all beings.
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To hear again and again
- By Dirk on 07-09-18
By: Shantideva, and others
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The Lankavatara Sutra
- By: D.T. Suzuki
- Narrated by: Ratnadhya
- Length: 13 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
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The Lankavatara Sutra, dating from the early years of the Common Era, sometime before 443, is one of the most important Mahayana Buddhist texts, not least because of its influence on later Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese Buddhism. One of its possible early translators in the 8th century was Gunabhadra, who is sometimes regarded as the first father of Zen in China. The Sutra takes the form of a dialogue between the Buddha in his cosmic form (as opposed to the historical figure of the Pali Canon) and the Bodhisattva or ‘Great Being', Mahamati.
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Excellent!
- By Skeet Fortner on 11-09-23
By: D.T. Suzuki
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The Bodhicaryavatara
- A Guide to the Buddhist Path to Awakening
- By: Śāntideva
- Narrated by: William Hope
- Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
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Written in India in the early eighth century CE, Santideva's The Bodhicaryavatara takes as its subject the profound desire to become a Buddha and save all beings from suffering. The person who enacts such a desire is a Bodhisattva. Santideva not only sets out what the Bodhisattva must do and become; he also invokes the intense feelings of aspiration which underlie such a commitment, using language which has inspired Buddhists in their religious lives from his time to the present.
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Very Insightful
- By Daren on 04-13-16
By: Śāntideva
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The Upanishads
- By: Eknath Easwaran
- Narrated by: Paul Bazely
- Length: 5 hrs and 3 mins
- Abridged
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In the Upanishads, illumined sages share flashes of insight, the results of their investigation into consciousness itself. In extraordinary visions, they experience directly a transcendent Reality which is the essence, or Self, of each created being. They teach that each of us, each Self, is eternal, deathless, one with the power that created the universe.
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Brilliant 🙏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
- By Anonymous User on 08-06-23
By: Eknath Easwaran
Remember Merely a Syllable, Fellow Travelers
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The truly inspiring text
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Wonderful presentation of the Dharma
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The narrator is also perfect as he is. Why! Because he enunciated and with great care and exactitudw with a pleasing sound and cadence that pays respect to the words enunciated.
Perfect as it is.
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Excellent
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Completely pointless
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Sooo repetitive that it becomes a mantra
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this review is more about my preference
some content could and maybe should be removed
if you listen to this you will hear the endless fluff and repetition of unnecessary things they have very little to no value what the Dharma is here to teach
I prefer the abbreviated versions. the scary the wisdom the understanding and the actual teachings without all the fillers
( is the practice lover Walker of the Dharma a person that lives in practice and very happy with this audiobook was not one of the first ones I encountered)
Lotus Sutra
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as for the narrator. as always, nice voice but, wish he would pronounce the foreign words more correct with more frequency. they seem to be using him for like every buddhist text i've listened to so far.
this copy does not match either if my two physical copies. think what you will. that is sutras for you.
i suggest the prajnaparamita if you wish to follow the bodhisattva path.
just another iffy sutra
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