The Lion’s Roar of Queen Śrīmālā
Mahāyāna · Buddha-nature
Diana Paul’s translation of Queen Śrīmālā’s Lion’s Roar appears first in a BDK volume that also contains a separate Vimalakīrti translation.
Translations & sourcesEditions & translators
Diana Y. Paul translates Guṇabhadra’s Chinese version. BDK’s free volume also includes a separate translation of the Vimalakīrti Sūtra.
Diana Y. Paul translates Guṇabhadra’s Chinese version. BDK’s free volume also includes a separate translation of the Vimalakīrti Sūtra.
Edition & attribution
An introduction. Follow the source link below to explore the translated work.
Introductions, reflection questions and added section headings are editorial material, separate from the attributed translation.
The opening image is AI-generated nature artwork created for Buddhist Atlas. It is an evocative companion, not a depiction of the text’s historical setting.
translation · free PDF
Source link checked October 16, 2026. The linked publisher provides the text and its usage terms.
Connections
Guru Viking0
No connected episodes found for this text.
People & teachers2
- Siddhārtha Gautama · the Buddha
Śākyamuni endorses Queen Śrīmālā’s teaching within the sūtra.
Source
- Noah Kodo Roen
Teaches on this text:
- The Ultimate Inspiration: The Lion’s Roar of Queen SrimalaNames this text
Traditions & history3
- Mahāyāna movements
The sūtra’s teaching on the single vehicle and Buddhahood.
Source
- Mahāyāna
Study context: this text is included in the Atlas guide to Mahāyāna.
- East Asian traditions
Study context: this text is included in the Atlas guide to East Asian traditions.
Books1
- How Compassion Works: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cultivating Well-Being, Love, and Wisdom
Thematic companion on developing capacities for compassion and wisdom.
Source
Topics2
- Emptiness & not-self
Explore Emptiness & not-self across the Atlas.
- Mindfulness & awareness
Explore Mindfulness & awareness across the Atlas.
Make yourself comfortable
About this textContext & reading guide
Queen Śrīmālā is the principal teaching voice in this scripture. Its discussion of Buddha-nature and the single vehicle of awakening makes it a useful companion to other Mahāyāna works in the collection.
Notice both its doctrinal teaching and its presentation of a woman as an authoritative Buddhist speaker. The translator’s introduction provides context for its distinctive vocabulary.