सद्दर्मपुंडरिक और उसकी पांडुलिपियाँ

Summary

The Saddharmapuṇḍarīka, or Lotus Sūtra, is one of the most influential Mahāyāna scriptures. This Hindi essay introduces the text’s narrative structure and doctrinal themes before turning to its manuscript tradition. The author provides an overview of the sūtra’s parables, such as the burning house and the jeweled robe, which illustrate the Buddha’s skilful means in guiding beings toward enlightenment. Attention is then given to Indian and Tibetan manuscript fragments of the Lotus Sūtra, with descriptions of their paleographic features, scripts and materials. The article discusses how these manuscripts travelled along the Silk Road and influenced East Asian Buddhism. It also examines commentaries by figures like Zhiyi, demonstrating how the sūtra’s emphasis on the one vehicle (ekayāna) reshaped doctrinal debates. By weaving together textual analysis and manuscript studies, the essay highlights the Lotus Sūtra’s enduring role in shaping Buddhist thought and practice.