Commentary on the Lotus Sutra -- Buddhist Classics Series

Author: Pu Zhengxin
Annotations:
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-03-01
Features: There are five Han translations of the Sariputra's Sutra on the Medicine King, arranged in chronological order of their translation:
- The Eastern Jin period translation by (Boshi Limo Luo) (317–322)
- The Liu Song period translation by (Hui Jian) (457) (now lost)
- The Sui dynasty translation by (Darmajita) (615)
- The Tang dynasty translation by (Xuanzang) (650)
- The Tang dynasty translation by (Yijing) (707)
The first three translations emphasize the merits of the Medicine Buddha and are referred to as the "Medicine Buddha's Sutra of Fulfilling Wishes." The translation by Yijing is titled either the Sutra on the Seven Buddhas' Great Merits and the Medicine Buddha's Prayers or the Seven Buddhas' Medicine Buddha Sutra, detailing the vows and mantras of the Seven Buddhas and the Medicine Buddha.
The most widely used version is the translation by Xuanzang, which has esoteric Buddhist characteristics and emphasizes the benefits in the present life and the idea of rebirth in the Pure Land. This book provides detailed annotations and a colloquial translation of Xuanzang's version, while listing the remaining three existing translations as appendices for reference by those studying the Sariputra's Sutra on the Medicine King.