Commentary on the Śrīmālādevī Siṃhan (勝鬘經疏義私鈔)

About 勝鬘經疏義私鈔

Japan · by 聖德太子疏　唐 明空私鈔

60,062 · about 200 min

The Commentary on the Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda Sūtra, Compiled as a Private Manuscript, is an exegesis by Prince Shōtoku of Japan on the Buddhist scripture, the Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda Sūtra. This work provides annotations on the "Sutra of the Lion's Roar of Queen Śrīmālā on the One Vehicle, the Great Skillful Means, and the Vast Extension," later compiled into a private manuscript by the Tang dynasty monk Myōkū who traveled to Japan. Completed during the Asuka period of Japan, it reflects Prince Shōtoku's understanding and propagation of the Tathāgatagarbha thought in Mahāyāna Buddhism. The content elucidates core doctrines such as the one true vehicle and the universal Buddha-nature inherent in all sentient beings, while interpreting them in light of Japanese cultural context. As one of the earliest Buddhist commentaries in Japan, this text is not only a vital document for studying the history of Japanese Buddhist thought but also embodies the achievements of early Sino-Japanese Buddhist exchange. It holds an academically pivotal role in East Asian Buddhist history, serving as a bridge between preceding and subsequent developments.