The Lotus Sutra (Saddharmapundarika), Chapter One

The sutras are the Buddha’s teachings compiled by his disciples. The Lotus has been the most beloved, because it transmits Buddha’s basic teaching that everyone has potential to achieve Buddhahood. It also inspired many themes and personalities in Buddhist art. Completed around the second century c.e., the Lotus has been translated into many languages, including English.
The proliferation of Chinese printing was indebted to Buddhists, who demanded quick distribution of scriptures. This version was printed during the era of the Yongle emperor, who sponsored the printing of Buddhist as well as Daoist scriptures. Here, a frontispiece illustration features the triad behind a lotus pond, suggesting paradise. Though the printing is simple, the sutra covers are mounted in exquisite brocades (to the right).