Aimed at making Eastern religious texts accessible to Western audiences and provides a key text from Mahayana Buddhism.

"The Sacred Books of the East," Volume XLVIII by F. Max Müller, published in 1897, is a part of a comprehensive series that aims to make the sacred texts of various Eastern religions available to a Western audience. This particular volume focuses on the "Saddharma-Pundarika," commonly known as the "Lotus Sutra," a key Mahayana Buddhist scripture.Table of Contents - "The Sacred Books of the East," Volume XLVIII (1897 Edition) IntroductionOverview of the text's importance, historical context, and its place within Mahayana Buddhism. Discussion on the manuscript sources and translation methodologies. The Saddharma-Pundarika (Lotus Sutra)Chapter I: IntroductionIntroduction to the text, its setting, and the assembly of the audience. Chapter II: Skillful Means (Upaya)The concept of skillful means and the methods used by the Buddha to teach different beings according to their capacities. Chapter III: The Prodigal SonThe parable of the prodigal son and its implications for understanding the nature of enlightenment and spiritual realization. Chapter IV: The Parable of the Burning HouseThe burning house parable illustrating the urgent need for liberation and the different vehicles (paths) to reach enlightenment. Chapter V: The Prediction of the Future BuddhahoodPredictions about the future Buddhahood of various individuals, emphasizing the potential for all beings to attain Buddhahood. Chapter VI: The PropheciesVarious prophecies given by the Buddha regarding the future enlightenment of his followers. Chapter VII: The Duration of the Buddha’s LifeThe assertion of the Buddha’s eternal nature and the discussion of his timeless and unending life. Chapter VIII: The Bestowal of the SutraThe act of transmitting the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and its significance for the followers. Chapter IX: The Miracle of the Buddha’s Entrance into NirvanaThe miraculous events surrounding the Buddha's final entrance into Nirvana, emphasizing the significance of his teachings. Chapter X: The Bodhisattva Never DespisingThe story of a Bodhisattva who venerates all beings and the moral lessons derived from his actions. Chapter XI: The Appearance of the BodhisattvaThe appearance of various Bodhisattvas in the text and their role in the teachings. Chapter XII: The Dhyani BuddhasThe description and significance of the Dhyani Buddhas within the Lotus Sutra. Chapter XIII: The Transformation Body of the BuddhaDiscussion on the Buddha’s transformation body and its implications for understanding his nature. Chapter XIV: The Assembly of the Great BodhisattvasThe gathering of great Bodhisattvas and their roles in upholding and disseminating the teachings of the Lotus Sutra.