The Lion's Roar of Queen Shrimala Volume01: The Mahayana Sutra on the One Vehicle and Tathagatagarbha, with a Complete Collection of its Classical East Asian Commentaries Kindle Edition

It is with great honor that we present this volume, a translation into modern English of the Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda Sūtra (hereafter the Śrīmālā Sūtra)—a profound treasury of Buddhist wisdom—along with a comprehensive collection of its most important classical commentaries.The Śrīmālā Sūtra is a seminal Mahayana scripture, believed to have been composed in India around the late 3rd or early 4th century CE. Although its author is unknown, the sutra is unique in its format: the discourse is delivered by Queen Śrīmālā, a laywoman whose wisdom is often compared to that of the great layman Vimalakīrti. Drawing upon the spiritual power of the Buddha, she expounds the core tenets of Mahayana Buddhism from the standpoint of her own profound enlightenment. The sutra powerfully and logically articulates the foundational teaching of Tathagatagarbha thought: that within every sentient being resides an inherently pure Buddha-nature (Tathagatagarbha). We believe this message, a veritable "lion's roar," resonates deeply today, offering a path to inner peace and revealing the limitless potential hidden within each of us as we navigate the complexities and sufferings of modern life.Shortly after its composition, the Śrīmālā Sūtra was transmitted to China, where it exerted an immense influence on the formation of Tathagatagarbha thought, which flourished particularly during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. The first Chinese translation, titled Shèngmán Shīzǐhǒu Yīchéng Dàfāngbiàn Fāngguǎng Jīng, was completed in 436 CE by Guṇabhadra of the Liu Song dynasty. Although Bodhiruci later produced another translation in 513 CE, Guṇabhadra's version became the most widely circulated and was studied by monks and scholars across all schools. Its influence led to the creation of numerous outstanding commentaries, including the Treasure Grotto of the Śrīmālā Sūtra (Shèngmán Bǎokū) by the great master Zhiyi, the Commentary on the Śrīmālā Sūtra (Shèngmán Jīngshū) by Jizang, and the Exposition of the Śrīmālā Sūtra (Shèngmán Jīng Shùjì) by Kuiji. The commentaries included in this volume stand in this esteemed tradition.This book is centered around a complete modern English translation of the Śrīmālā Sūtra. To deepen the reader's understanding, we have compiled an extensive collection of exegetical works that illuminate the sutra from diverse perspectives. These range from historical masterpieces such as the Treasure Grotto, the Record of the Meaning of the Śrīmālā Sūtra, and the Private Notes on the Meaning of the Commentary on the Śrīmālā Sūtra, to the modern lecture series by the venerable master Yin Shun. These commentaries not only clarify the polysemous aspects of the scripture and its position within the Buddhist thought of its time but also serve as precious keys, crystallizing centuries of wisdom and allowing for a richer appreciation of the sutra's essence.In preparing the translation, we have strived to remain faithful to the precise meaning of the classical source texts while employing language that is both natural and accessible to the contemporary reader. Technical Buddhist terms have been carefully annotated, and detailed explanations have been provided for complex doctrines. It is our aim to make this profound wisdom accessible to a wide audience, from academic researchers to individuals seeking spiritual guidance in their daily lives.We sincerely hope that, through this volume, readers will take a significant step toward awakening to the "One Vehicle" taught in the Śrīmālā Sūtra—the single path that leads all beings to Buddhahood—and to their own "Tathagatagarbha," their inherently pure, perfect, and true self. If this book, a convergence of ancient and modern wisdom, can serve as an inexhaustible light in your spiritual quest and a signpost on the path to true freedom and wisdom, there could be no greater joy for us. Read more