D.T. Suzuki's translation of the Lankavatara Sutra was first published in 1932. Professor Suzuki felt, if the Sutra was ever to be read by general readers, that an editing of it in the interest of easier reading was a necessity. He encouraged Dwight Goddard to undertake the task. One of the few texts that directly communicate from the disposition of ultimate realization, and the subject of study and commentary by many great masters, the Lankavatara was the most influential of all Buddhist scriptures in fixing the general doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism. Goddard writes, "There is a tradition that when Bodhidarma handed over his begging-bowl and robe to his successor that he also gave him a copy of the Lankavatara, saying that he needed no other sutra."
