Observations placeholder

The Lotus sutra – translated by Burton Watson

The Thus Come One is like this.
He acts as king of the doctrines,
possessing the great power of perseverance
and the precious storehouse of wisdom,
and with his great pity and compassion
he converts the age in accordance with the Law.

He sees all persons
as they undergo suffering and anxiety,
seeking to gain emancipation,
battling with the demons,
and for the sake of these living beings
he preaches various doctrines,
employing great expedient means
and preaching these sutras.
And when he knows that living beings
have gained power through them,
then at the very last for their sake
he preaches this Lotus Sutra,
like the king who unbinds his topknot
and gives away his bright jewel.

This sutra is to be honoured
as highest among all sutras.
Constantly I guard and protect it,
and do not recklessly reveal it.
But now the time is right
for me to preach it to you.