Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra

When the Lotus Sutra describes the bodhisattvas-mahasattvas as being free from regressing in their pursuit of Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, it means that they have achieved a level of spiritual development where they are no longer subject to falling back into lower states of consciousness or lower realms of existence. They have reached a state of spiritual stability and are able to continue to progress towards full enlightenment without the risk of regression.

The sutra says that all of them had gained dharani, which refers to a specific type of Buddhist teaching that is said to bestow special spiritual powers and abilities, such as the ability to remember and recite large amounts of scripture.

Eloquent in joyful preaching, they turned the irreversible Wheel of the Law. This means that they are able to skillfully and joyfully teach the Buddhist doctrines to others and help them to understand the teachings of the Buddha. They are able to guide others on the path to enlightenment and help them to understand the true nature of reality.

The sutra states that the bodhisattvas-mahasattvas are constantly praised by the Buddhas, which means that they have earned the admiration and respect of the enlightened beings for their advanced spiritual development and their ability to help others on the path to enlightenment.

They are said to have planted bountiful virtuous roots by giving offerings to immeasurable hundreds of thousands of Buddhas living in the Buddhas’ abodes. This means that they have accumulated a vast amount of positive karma by making offerings to the Buddha and other enlightened beings, which will bring them closer to enlightenment in future lives.

Moreover, they are said to have cultivated themselves in compassion and entered the Buddha’s wisdom with readiness. This means that they have developed a deep understanding of the nature of suffering and the importance of compassion in helping others, and are able to apply this understanding to their own spiritual practice.

Having mastered the Great Wisdom, they had arrived at the shore of enlightenment. This means that they have attained a deep understanding of the ultimate nature of reality and have reached the state of enlightenment.

All of them were renowned in the immeasurable worlds for their ability to save countless hundreds of thousands of living beings. This means that they have gained the ability to help others on a vast scale, and are able to bring many beings to enlightenment through their teachings and guidance.

1. Bodhisattva-Mahasattva Manjushri is one of the most prominent bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. He is known as the bodhisattva of wisdom and is often depicted holding a sword, which symbolizes the cutting of ignorance and delusion. He is also often depicted holding a book, which represents the Prajnaparamita Sutra, the sutra of the perfection of wisdom. In addition to his association with wisdom, Manjushri is also known for his role in bestowing spiritual power and for his ability to help people overcome obstacles and achieve success in their endeavors. He is also considered as one of the protectors of the Buddhist teachings and is believed to help those who study and practice Buddhism to gain a deeper understanding of the teachings.
2. Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, also known as Guanyin or Kuan Yin in Chinese and Guan Yin in Japanese, is a bodhisattva associated with compassion and is one of the most revered figures in Mahayana Buddhism. According to tradition, Avalokitesvara vowed to not become a Buddha until all sentient beings had been liberated from samsara, and so is often seen as a protector of all living beings. He is also the patron bodhisattva of Tibet, where he is known as Chenrezig and is considered to be the embodiment of the compassion of all the buddhas. In East Asian Buddhism, he is often depicted as a female figure, symbolizing the boundless and all-embracing compassion of the bodhisattva.
3. Bodhisattva Gainer of Great Authority: This bodhisattva is known for his ability to gain authority over others and lead them to enlightenment.
4. Bodhisattva Ever Diligent: This bodhisattva is known for his constant and unwavering efforts in the pursuit of enlightenment. He is an embodiment of perseverance and determination.
5. Bodhisattva Never Resting: This bodhisattva is known for his constant and tireless efforts in the pursuit of enlightenment, never resting until all beings have been liberated.
6. Bodhisattva Precious Palm: This bodhisattva is known for his ability to heal and cure ailments through the touch of his hand. He is associated with the practice of medicine and healing.
7. Bodhisattva Medicine King: This bodhisattva is known for his ability to produce medicine that can cure all illnesses and eliminate suffering. He is associated with the practice of medicine and healing.
8. Bodhisattva Courageous Giver: This bodhisattva is known for his willingness to give up everything, including his own life, for the sake of others. He is associated with the practice of generosity and selflessness.
9. Bodhisattva Precious Moon: This bodhisattva is known for his ability to illuminate the minds of others and bring clarity to their understanding of the Dharma. He is associated with the practice of wisdom and insight.
10. Bodhisattva Moonlight: This bodhisattva is known for his ability to dispel the darkness of ignorance and bring light to the minds of others. He is associated with the practice of wisdom and insight.
11. Bodhisattva Full Moon: This bodhisattva is known for his ability to fully illuminate the minds of others and bring complete understanding of the Dharma. He is associated with the practice of wisdom and insight.
12. Bodhisattva Great Power: This bodhisattva is known for his great spiritual power and ability to manifest miracles. He is associated with the practice of supernatural powers.
13. Bodhisattva Infinite Power: This bodhisattva is known for his infinite spiritual power and ability to manifest miracles. He is associated with the practice of supernatural powers.
14. Bodhisattva Transcending Threefold World: This bodhisattva is known for his ability to transcend the three realms of existence and attain complete freedom from suffering. He is associated with the practice of wisdom and insight.
15. Bodhisattva Bhadrapala: This bodhisattva is known for his protection and ability to guard against harm and danger. He is associated with the practice of protection and safety.
16. Bodhisattva-Mahasattva Maitreya is a bodhisattva who is believed in some Mahayana Buddhist traditions to be a future Buddha, who will appear on Earth to lead humanity to the path of enlightenment. He is known as the “future Buddha” and is revered by many as a symbol of hope, compassion and the potential for spiritual development. In the Lotus Sutra, Maitreya is depicted as a major figure who is present during the assembly where the sutra is taught by the Buddha, and is said to have attained great spiritual power and wisdom as a result of his practice of the Lotus Sutra. He is also known as Ajita, the “unconquered” in many Mahayana texts. He is often depicted in art as a young and handsome monk, often holding a book or scroll, symbolizing his future role as a teacher of the dharma.
17. Bodhisattva Accumulated Treasures: This bodhisattva is known for his ability to accumulate and share the wealth of spiritual teachings and practices with others. He is associated with the practice of generosity and sharing the Dharma.
18. Bodhisattva Mentor: This bodhisattva is known as a spiritual guide and teacher, who helps others on the path to enlightenment. He is associated with the practice of guidance and mentorship.

All of these bodhisattvas are considered to be advanced practitioners on the path to enlightenment, and they are known for their specific qualities and abilities that can help others in their own spiritual journey. They are revered and invoked for guidance and support in Buddhism.