From Sacred Text to Accessible Audible: AI-Podcasting the Lotus Sutra as Tertiary Orality in Contemporary Translation

This study explores the transformative role of podcasts as a medium of "tertiary orality," focusing on NotebookLM’s podcast on the Lotus Sutra as a case study. By juxtaposing the canonical English translation of this seminal Mahayana Buddhist text, originally translated from Classical Chinese by Burton Watson, with the podcast's transcription, this article demonstrates how auditory storytelling bridges the gap between doctrinal profundity and modern accessibility. Integrating dramatic narration, conversational idioms, and thematic analogies, the podcast reimagines the Lotus Sutra for contemporary audiences, translating its metaphysical doctrines into relatable narratives. This exploration situates podcasts within the broader discourse of translation studies, digital humanities, and religious pedagogy, asserting that auditory media not only democratize access to sacred texts but also reinvigorate their cultural relevance. By blending oral tradition with digital innovation, podcasts transcend traditional textual limitations, offering immersive and interactive frameworks that foster spiritual enlightenment and intellectual engagement. The study showcases the potential of tertiary orality as an interdisciplinary bridge, enriching translation practices and ensuring the enduring resonance of ancient wisdom in a digitally connected world.