Lotus Sutra

Questions for Further Study

• 1. What is a sutra? Literally, in Sanskrit, the word means “a thread that holds things together.” To what extent does this describe the Lotus Sutra? Explain.
• 2. Why is the Lotus Sutra the most “political” of all Buddhist scriptures?
• 3. Buddhism, as reflected in the Lotus Sutra, places considerable emphasis on concepts such as enlightenment, wisdom, liberation, buddhahood, and awakening. To what extent, if any, do you think that the concepts found in the Lotus Sutra are valuable to ordinary people going about their ordinary busy lives? Do you find the concepts too vague and impractical, or do you think they would provide something valuable for, say, a construction worker, an insurance salesperson, or a high school student?
• 4. The entry states that the Lotus Sutra plays a role somewhat similar to that of the Bible among Western Christians and Jews and the Qur’an among Muslims. To what extent, if any, do you think this is true? Provide examples.