Rating: 
Summary: Make this the last Sutra to read
Review: I bought this in the hope, I guess, of finding out more about Mahayana Buddhism, having read a little on the 'Lesser' vehicles such as Zen. What I found in this sutra was a self referencing text with little to offer in terms of teachings you could hold in your hand. This is not to say that Burton Watson didn't do a good job in the translation. (I would have no idea how close it would be to any original text) My problem lies with the message itself. Whereas most sutras I've read will give practical information regarding morals or metaphysical concepts, this text seems only intent on proclaiming that one should have faith alone in the Lotus sutra, as an expedient & most efficient way to enter final extinction. However what the 'lotus sutra' actually is remains a mystery even after the last page is turned. Despite many promises of the 'lotus' about to be revealed by the Buddha, you eventually get to the point in the book where it starts talking in terms of 'Having thus expounded this most wonderful sutra' & wondering where you missed the turnoff.
The whole book is like an artichoke without a heart. It does however talk of such things as the benefit of parable & simile as ways of describing this elusive message. Perhaps the message may in fact be Zen like in the sense that it cannot be held & can only be talked around, however as an inquiring mind I found this book of faith wanting. If I had no prior Buddhist concepts of 'oneness', 'emptiness' & such things as the eight fold path, the lotus Sutra would be useless as it only refers to such concepts, & spends no time explaining them, not even in simile form as is utilized in Zen. For this reason, despite this being a book written with simplicity, I would recommend it to people only with prior understanding of Buddhist ideas. Having said all that, I might just be missing the point. Perhaps the message of this sutra is in fact not to be disillusioned at how infinitely difficult it may be to become enlightened but to simply have faith that you already are, (even if this is a reference to the future) & hence you only need to ...(?)
If anything, it is a richly written text spanning countless eons & including innumerable beings. It uses such symbolism to suggest the infinite nature of time, matter & mind & reminds us that we are very small indeed. It is in fact an enjoyable read & does imbue a sense of 'Right action' & 'Noble thought'. It is certainly a worthwhile read for those with some Buddhism under their belt.
Rating: 
Summary: excellent translation
Review: It seems to me rather odd to be reviewing a religious text--after all, I don't see any reviews of modern Bibles convincing people to rush out and read them--but I will simply say that this is a marvelous translation by Watson. If you are a Buddhist or interested in Buddhism, this is a fine choice.
Rating: 
Summary: Got comparison?
Review: Readers seem to rate a text for its mere appearance/publication or its importance within the larger framework of Buddhist texts, than for the quality of its translation. Now, how many people have actually compared the original to the translation? Few, I guess. Yet most of the readers give a high rating. I find that unplausible.
Even without mastering (Classical) Chinese (from which this translation is done), someone with some experience in Buddhist rhetoric will find some things to remark:
* Classical Chinese lends itself to different interpretations, leaving a certain arbitrariness in translation (in syntax).
* Words like 'the Law' and 'the Laws' or 'Dharma' need contextual interpretation. I don't doubt Watson is a good translator, but I wished some notes were included where ambiguity of terms exists.
* Leaving passages or whole chapters out is a pity. For a complete published edition leaves the reader to choose which chapters to skip.
Rating:
Summary: A central text in Mahayana Buddhism
Review: The Lotus Sutra is a vitally important text for anyone interested in Mahayana Buddhism, both in Japan and elswhere in Asia. It contains the doctrines which had enabled Buddhism to adapt itself to local cultures and thus become one of the most successful missionary religions in history. Highly recommended to students of Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy, but should be accessible to the general audience as well. As for the translation: Burton Watson is a brilliant and talented translator, and his work is both academically impeccable and literarily of the highest quality. In short, highly recommended reading. (my credentials: graduate student Philosophy/East Asian Studies in Tel Aviv University)
Rating:
Summary: Shakyamuni's ultimate message
Review: The Lotus Sutra is considered by many to be the last and ultimate testimony of Shakyamuni Buddha, founder of Buddhism and the first historical Buddha. The Lotus Sutra marks the culmination of his teachings, flawless in both word and principle----and applicable to all sentient beings. Unlike other sutras, the Lotus Sutra advocates a great deal of Bodhisattva (altruism) thought as the supreme path to Buddhahood.Watson's translation of the Lotus Sutra is highly valued due to the enormous experience he has had translating both Chinese and Japanese literature. One will find this translation to be much more concise and easy to read, and without the enormous verbosity and euphemisms that other translators in the past have included. Since it's apperance in 255 C.E., the Lotus Sutra has gained the attention of many Mahayana Buddhists for it strongly advocates the enlightenment of all beings regardless of age, sex, social status, gender or lifestyle. In addition to this, the Lotus Sutra has been renowned to carry the popular movement of Nichiren Buddhism, advocating its Japanese title of Myoho-Renge-Kyo as the ultimate way to Buddhahood. What is striking about the Lotus sutra is its great emphasis on the enlightenment of the mass, and the ability to all to utilize their own expedient way to happiness. One should pay close attention to the 2nd and 16th chapter to see Burton's great effort in taking such a task. Other chapters such as the Ho-Shi (Ch. 10) and Kanzeon Bosatsu Fumon (Ch.25) also illuminate the text's great appeal to human problems and compassion. Seemingly magical scenarios from this provocative text has caused many to label it as if it were a show of melodrama. But Burton's translation presents more than just a melodramatic show. Using concise and readable description, this translation brings great beauty to the text and its humanistic message to all people. The Lotus Sutra has many beautiful tales. Beloved characters like Shariputra, Devadatta and Kishimojin and Kanzeon Bosatsu are also here. Burton translated this book with great care in simplicity, while maintaining all the important concepts and message which runs through this whole book. Each chapter is divided with a prose and a verse form, so all of us can choose which one we'd like to study. No chapters or fascicles have been left out, and the first and last sutra that come before and after this text are independent of each other. Each chapter is divided with a prose and a verse form, so all of us can choose which one we'd like to study.
Rating:
Summary: Shakyamuni's highest teaching
Review: This book is the entire text of Shakyamuni's highest teaching, the Lotus Sutra, which forms the basis of faith and daily practice for millions of Nichiren Buddhists around the world, particularly members of Soka Gakkai International (SGI-USA). The Lotus Sutra was conceived as a drama of colossal proportions and is considered by many scholars to be one of the earliest known literary masterpieces. Burton Watson's vivid translation provides readers with a clear understanding of this most profound work. I also highly recommend a little book of Buddhist wisdom titled "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life" by Taro Gold. Excellent.
Rating: 
Summary: Good for comparison and translation of verse
Review: This is the first copy of the Lotus Sutra I purchased. Even though I had it for years, I didn't have enough background knowledge in Buddhist history and studies to understand it. It is a very complex sutra, so a person just starting off would not understand it without a teacher or at least a manual to guide them through the maze of metaphor and grand images the text presents.
Aside from the content, this translation of the Lotus Sutra has some weak points. Some of the terms Watson uses are out of place, or are too strong and do not respect the delicate nature of what the sutra is attempting to communicate. It also cuts out much of the Sanskrit terms and reduces the word count. It is easier to read, but is missing important elements. This work is good for English speakers to compare with other works, in particular Senchu Murano's version.
Despite some of its faults, however, the verse translations are wonderful. I think Watson has a good feel for such verse translations and are uncluttered and beautiful versus the simplicity and functionality found in other versions. The verse sections are easy- to- remember repetitions of the prose, but Watson is able to breathe life into them and they don't become heavy or dull. In particular his work in chapter 5,"The Parable of the Medicinal Herbs" is stunning:
"The sun's rays are veiled and hidden,
a clear coolness comes over the land;
masses of darkness descend and spread-
you can almost touch them.
The rain falls everywhere,
coming down on all four sides,
its flow and saturation are measureless,
reaching to every area of the earth,"
Overall, though the text lacks the feel of the literal translations, it makes up for that it is wonderful verses and ornate but simple language. I have found that this version is much easier to memorize because of its beauty, which has been helpful in study of the text and Nichiren Shonin's commentary.
Rating:
Summary: Masterpiece of Buddhism - Masterfully Translated by Watson
Review: This new translation of the most important scripture in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition has a special value. Not only is it reliable, but Burton Watson's rendition all but sings. Translated directly from the Chinese Kumarajiva version, regarded as the most historically legitimate version, this complete and straightforward Lotus Sutra is recommended for its accessibility and its seriousness of purpose. Since its appearance in China in the third century, the Lotus Sutra has been regarded as one of the most illustrious scriptures in the Mahayana Buddhist canon. The object of intense veneration among generations of Buddhists in China, Korea, Japan, and other parts of East Asia, it has attracted more commentary than any other Buddhist scripture and has had a profound impact on the great works of Japanese and Chinese literature. Conceived as a drama of colossal proportions, the text takes on new meaning in Burton Watson's translation. Depicting events in a cosmic world that transcends ordinary concepts of time and space, The Lotus Sutra presents abstract religious concepts in concrete terms and affirms that there is a single path to enlightenment--that of the bodhisattva--and that the Buddha is not to be limited by time and space. Filled with striking imagery, memorable parables, and countless revelations concerning the universal accessibility of Buddhahood, The Lotus Sutra has brought comfort and wisdom to devotees over the centuries and stands as a pivotal text in world literature.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: This translation of the most important scripture in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition has a special value. Not only is it reliable, but Burton Watson's rendition all but sings. Translated directly from the Chinese Kumarajiva version, regarded as the most historically legitimate version, this complete and straightforward Lotus Sutra is recommended for its accessibility and its seriousness of purpose. Since its appearance in China in the third century, the Lotus Sutra has been regarded as one of the most illustrious scriptures in the Mahayana Buddhist canon. The object of intense veneration among generations of Buddhists in China, Korea, Japan, and other parts of East Asia, it has attracted more commentary than any other Buddhist scripture and has had a profound impact on the great works of Japanese and Chinese literature. Conceived as a drama of colossal proportions, the text takes on new meaning in Burton Watson's translation. Depicting events in a cosmic world that transcends ordinary concepts of time and space, The Lotus Sutra presents abstract religious concepts in concrete terms and affirms that there is a single path to enlightenment--that of the bodhisattva--and that the Buddha is not to be limited by time and space. Filled with striking imagery, memorable parables, and countless revelations concerning the universal accessibility of Buddhahood, The Lotus Sutra has brought comfort and wisdom to devotees over the centuries and stands as a pivotal text in world literature.
Rating:
Summary: COMPLETE, CONCISE, AND FLAWLESS IN TRANSLATION.
Review: Watson's translation of the Lotus Sutra is an incredibly scholar work, and instead of using verbose words that may confuse the reader, he makes it applicable to the most simple direct language that the reader can easily read and understand. Many who bought this book revere the text in itself because of the profound message that this sutra teaches. Its Buddhist message on the importance of Bodhisattva and the equality of Buddhahood has been very easy to access to read, unlike previous translations of the Lotus Sutra in the past. The original translation of the Lotus Sutra are many, I suppose that one can easily pick a choice of the Pali text, or Japanese text, but that is the simplified purpose of this new translation of the Lotus Sutra, and since that Watson is a reliable translator who produces scholarly unbiased work, his work is accepted into the mainstream public approval. Classical Chinese can split in its meaning, and Burton Watson truly notes the many times that the classic interpretation might be used in the text. Footnotes on these split translations may be found in the book. The word "Ho" is easily translated as Dharma, Law, etc. Watson's incredible powers of translation puts into the meaning of the word "Law" in its proper context within the book. The Threefold Lotus Sutra is what many are also familiar with, this is a general title of a compiled 3 independent sutras. But one must realize that the Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful law is an independent sutra of its own. All fascicles of the 28 chapters of the Lotus Sutra are intact and complete, with NO omitted chapters whatsoever. All in all, I find this sutra without flaw but with great ease, style and scholar quality for all people to read.
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