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

The phrase “Tathagata, Worthy of Offerings, Perfect in True Wisdom and Enlightenment, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Liberated, the Omniscient, the Almighty, Master Trainer, Teacher of Heavenly Gods and Humans, Buddha-Bhagavat” is a long and elaborate description that highlights the various attributes and qualities of a Buddha.

• Tathagata: “Thus Come One” or “one who has come or arrived at the truth”, indicating the Buddha has fully realized the ultimate truth of reality and is able to teach it to others
• Worthy of Offerings: The Buddha is worthy of offerings and worship from sentient beings
• Perfect in True Wisdom and Enlightenment: The Buddha has attained perfect wisdom and enlightenment
• Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct: The Buddha is perfect in knowledge and conduct, meaning that he has reached the highest level of understanding and has a perfect understanding of the nature of reality, and he has a behavior that is consistent with his understanding of reality.
• Well-Liberated: The Buddha is free from all forms of attachment, suffering and defilements, and has attained the state of liberation.
• Omniscient: The Buddha is able to know all things, past, present and future, by virtue of his perfect wisdom.
• Almighty: The Buddha has the power to manifest in any form, to help sentient beings in any way, and to manifest in any world.
• Master Trainer: The Buddha is able to lead and guide sentient beings to the path of enlightenment.
• Teacher of Heavenly Gods and Humans: The Buddha is able to teach and guide both heavenly beings and human beings on the path to enlightenment.
• Buddha-Bhagavat: The Buddha is the highest and most perfect being, who is worthy of adoration, worship, and reverence.

This refrain is used to emphasize the greatness and the perfection of the Buddha, his abilities and his qualities, and the perfect timing and the perfect place where he appears. It serves to show the reader the importance and the uniqueness of the teachings that are about to be revealed and to encourage the reader to have faith and to listen to them carefully.

Tathagata

The word “Tathagata” is a title that is often used to refer to the Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism. The word “Tathagata” comes from the Pali language, and it is derived from the words “tatha” (thus) and “gata” (gone or come), which means “one who has thus come” or “one who has thus gone.”

In the context of Buddhism, the term “Tathagata” is used to refer to the Buddha as someone who has fully realized the ultimate truth of reality and has attained enlightenment. It is used to indicate that the Buddha is one who has “come” to or “gone” to the ultimate state of realization, which is beyond the realm of ordinary experience.

The term “Tathagata” is also used to indicate that the Buddha is not just a historical figure but an eternal being who has always existed and will continue to exist, as the Tathagata is one who has “thus come” and one who has “thus gone”. This means that the Buddha is not just a person who lived in the past, but an eternal being who is always present and always accessible to those who seek him out.

Additionally, the term “Tathagata” is also used to indicate that the Buddha is not just an individual, but a cosmic principle, the Tathagata is the embodiment of the Buddha Nature that is present in all beings, and is the ultimate reality. The term “Tathagata” is also used to indicate that the Buddha is not just a teacher, but a guide, the Tathagata is the one who leads sentient beings to the ultimate goal of enlightenment.

In summary, the term “Tathagata” is a title used to refer to the Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism. It is used to indicate that the Buddha is one who has fully realized the ultimate truth of reality, who is an eternal being, who is a cosmic principle, and who is a guide to enlightenment.

Worthy of Offerings

When referring to a Buddha, the phrase “worthy of offerings” is used to indicate that the Buddha is worthy of offerings and worship from sentient beings.

In Buddhism, the practice of making offerings to the Buddha is considered to be a way of expressing respect, devotion, and gratitude towards the Buddha. Offerings can include things like incense, flowers, food, and other material gifts. But also moral, intellectual, and spiritual offerings. Making offerings to the Buddha is also considered to be a way of accumulating merit or positive karma, which is believed to lead to a better future rebirth and increase the chances of attaining enlightenment.

When the Buddha is referred to as “worthy of offerings,” it is understood that the Buddha is worthy of such offerings because he is a fully enlightened being who has attained perfect wisdom, compassion, and virtue, and is able to guide sentient beings on the path to enlightenment.

It’s also worth mentioning that the offerings made to the Buddha are not intended to benefit the Buddha himself, as the Buddha is beyond the need of material offerings, but rather they are intended to benefit the person making the offering, by purifying their mind, increasing their merit and helping them to progress on the path to enlightenment.

In summary, when referring to a Buddha, the phrase “worthy of offerings” is used to indicate that the Buddha is worthy of offerings and worship from sentient beings, it is based on the idea that the Buddha is a fully enlightened being who has attained perfect wisdom, compassion, and virtue, and is able to guide sentient beings on the path to enlightenment.

Perfect in True Wisdom and Enlightenment

When a Buddha is referred to as “perfect in true wisdom and enlightenment,” it means that they have attained a complete and perfect understanding of the nature of reality and have also achieved a state of inner peace and freedom from suffering.

In Buddhism, wisdom is the understanding of the true nature of reality, and enlightenment refers to the state of having achieved this understanding and being free from the cycle of suffering. True wisdom and enlightenment are the ultimate goals of the Buddhist path.

When someone is said to be “perfect in true wisdom and enlightenment,” it means that they have fully and completely attained this understanding and state of inner peace. This means that they have achieved a complete understanding of the Four Noble Truths, which are the foundation of Buddhism and teaches that suffering exists, suffering arises from craving and attachment, it is possible to end suffering, and the path to the cessation of suffering.

Being “perfect” in true wisdom and enlightenment means that the person has fully understood and integrated this wisdom into their being and that they are no longer subject to the cycle of suffering and rebirth. They have attained a state of inner peace and freedom from suffering, which is the ultimate goal of Buddhism.

In summary, when someone is referred to as “perfect in true wisdom and enlightenment,” it means that they have attained a complete and perfect understanding of the nature of reality and have also achieved a state of inner peace and freedom from suffering. This means that they have fully understood and integrated the Four Noble Truths and have attained the ultimate goal of Buddhism, which is Nirvana.

Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct

When a Buddha is referred to as “perfect in knowledge and conduct,” it means that they have attained a state of perfect understanding of the nature of reality and also have a perfect behavior that is consistent with this understanding.

“Perfect knowledge” refers to the understanding of the ultimate nature of reality, and “perfect conduct” refers to the way in which this understanding is expressed in one’s behavior and actions.

In Buddhism, it is believed that true understanding of reality can only be expressed in one’s actions and behavior, this is why “perfect knowledge” and “perfect conduct” are considered to be intimately connected. A person who has attained perfect understanding of reality will naturally express this understanding in their behavior and actions, and will not act in a way that is inconsistent with this understanding.

For example, a person who has attained perfect understanding of the Four Noble Truths, which are the foundation of Buddhism, will naturally act in a way that is consistent with this understanding, such as acting with compassion, avoiding harmful actions, and working to end suffering.

In summary, When someone is referred to as “perfect in knowledge and conduct,” it means that they have attained a state of perfect understanding of the nature of reality and also have a perfect behavior that is consistent with this understanding. The person has a perfect understanding of the teachings of Buddhism and acts accordingly, this is why knowledge and conduct are considered to be intimately connected.

Well-Liberated

When a Buddha is referred to as “well-liberated,” it means that they have achieved a state of liberation or freedom from the cycle of suffering and rebirth known as samsara.

In Buddhism, samsara is the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that sentient beings are said to be trapped in, due to the effects of their actions and the imprints they have left on their mindstream. The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to achieve liberation from this cycle and attain a state of inner peace and freedom from suffering, known as Nirvana.

When a Buddha is referred to as “well-liberated,” it means that they have achieved this state of liberation and are no longer subject to the cycle of samsara. They have attained a state of inner peace and freedom from suffering.

It’s worth mentioning that the term “well-liberated” also implies that the liberation achieved is a complete and perfect one, not a partial or temporary one. This means that the person has attained a complete understanding of the nature of reality and has eradicated all the negative afflictions and obscurations that bind them to samsara.

In summary, When a Buddha is referred to as “well-liberated,” it means that they have achieved a state of liberation or freedom from the cycle of suffering and rebirth known as samsara, they have attained a state of inner peace and freedom from suffering, and this liberation is complete and perfect, not a partial or temporary one.

Omniscient

When a Buddha is referred to as “omniscient,” it means that they have complete and perfect knowledge of all things.

In Buddhism, omniscience is considered to be one of the characteristics of a fully enlightened being, such as a Buddha. A Buddha is said to have complete and perfect knowledge of all things, including the past, present, and future. This means that a Buddha has a deep understanding of the nature of reality, the workings of the mind, and the causes and conditions that lead to suffering and enlightenment.

An omniscient being has a complete and perfect understanding of the Four Noble Truths, which are the foundation of Buddhism, and has complete knowledge of the workings of the universe, the nature of all things, and the laws that govern them. An omniscient being is also said to have the ability to see things as they really are, without any biases or distorted perceptions, and can see the true nature of reality, the ultimate goal of Buddhism.

It’s worth mentioning that the term “omniscient” is often used to describe a Buddha, but it can also be used to describe an advanced Bodhisattva or an Arhat in some Buddhist traditions, who have a deep understanding of the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment.

In summary, When a Buddha is referred to as “omniscient,” it means that they have complete and perfect knowledge of all things, including the past, present, and future. They have a deep understanding of the nature of reality, the workings of the mind, and the causes and conditions that lead to suffering and enlightenment. An omniscient being can see things as they really are, without any biases or distorted perceptions, and can see the true nature of reality.

Almighty

When a Buddha is referred to as “almighty,” it means that they have the ability to accomplish anything they wish, and have complete control over their own destiny and the destiny of others.

In Buddhism, the term “almighty” is often used to describe a Buddha. A Buddha is considered to be almighty because they have attained complete control over their own mind and have achieved a state of inner peace and freedom from suffering. They have achieved perfect wisdom, compassion, and virtue and have the ability to guide others on the path to enlightenment.

A Buddha is also considered to be almighty because they have the ability to manifest in any form, anywhere and at any time to teach the Dharma, to help sentient beings and to lead them to enlightenment.

Additionally, a Buddha is also considered to be almighty because they can also control the laws of cause and effect, they can know all the past and future lives of sentient beings, they can perceive all the realms of existence and, can manifest in any form to manifest in any form to help sentient beings, and can manifest miracles to help sentient beings.

In summary, When a Buddha is referred to as “almighty,” it means that they have the ability to accomplish anything they wish, and have complete control over their own destiny and the destiny of others. A Buddha is considered to be almighty because they have attained complete control over their own mind, have achieved perfect wisdom, compassion, and virtue and have the ability to guide others on the path to enlightenment, they can manifest in any form, anywhere and at any time, to help sentient beings and to lead them to enlightenment, can control the laws of cause and effect, know all the past and future lives of sentient beings, perceive all the realms of existence and manifest miracles to help sentient beings.

Master Trainer

When a Buddha is referred to as a “Master Trainer,” it means that they have attained the highest level of knowledge and skill in teaching and training others.

In Buddhism, the term “Master Trainer” is often used to describe a Buddha. A Buddha is considered to be a Master Trainer because they have attained perfect understanding of the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment, and have the ability to guide others on this path. They have a deep understanding of the workings of the mind and the causes of suffering, and have the ability to teach others how to overcome these causes and attain inner peace and freedom from suffering.

A Buddha is also considered to be a Master Trainer because they have the ability to teach in a way that is appropriate for the individual, they can adapt their teachings to the capacity of the student, they can use different methods and different languages, they can use different methods and different languages, and they can use different levels of teachings to help the student to progress on the path.

Additionally, a Buddha is also considered to be a Master Trainer because they also have the ability to teach the Dharma in a way that is easy to understand and easy to put into practice, they can use parables, stories, and examples to illustrate the teachings, and can make the teachings relevant to everyday life.

In summary, when a Buddha is referred to as a “Master Trainer,” it means that they have attained the highest level of knowledge and skill in teaching and training others. A Buddha is considered to be a Master Trainer because they have attained perfect understanding of the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment, they have the ability to guide others on this path, they can adapt their teachings to the capacity of the student, they can use different methods and different languages and they can use different levels of teachings to help the student to progress on the path. They can teach the Dharma in a way that is easy to understand and easy to put into practice, and can make the teachings relevant to everyday life.

Teacher of Heavenly Gods and Humans

When a Buddha is referred to as a “teacher of heavenly gods and humans,” it means that they have the ability to teach and guide all beings, including both heavenly beings and human beings, on the path to enlightenment.

In Buddhism, the term “teacher of heavenly gods and humans” is often used to describe a Buddha. A Buddha is considered to be a teacher of heavenly gods and humans because they have attained perfect understanding of the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment, and have the ability to guide all beings, regardless of their realm of existence, on this path. They have the ability to teach the Dharma in a way that is appropriate for each individual, regardless of their level of understanding, and can help them to overcome their ignorance and suffering.

Additionally, a Buddha is also considered to be a teacher of heavenly gods and humans because they have the ability to teach the Dharma in a way that is easy to understand and easy to put into practice, they can use parables, stories, and examples to illustrate the teachings, and can make the teachings relevant to everyday life.

It’s worth mentioning that the term “teacher of heavenly gods and humans” does not only refer to a Buddha, but also to advanced bodhisattvas and arhats who have attained a deep understanding of the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment and have the ability to guide others to attain the same understanding.

In summary, when a Buddha is referred to as a “teacher of heavenly gods and humans,” it means that they have the ability to teach and guide all beings, including both heavenly beings and human beings, on the path to enlightenment. A Buddha is considered to be a teacher of heavenly gods and humans because they have attained perfect understanding of the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment, and have the ability to guide all beings, regardless of their realm of existence, on this path. They can teach the Dharma in a way that is easy to understand and easy to put into practice, and can make the teachings relevant to everyday life. This term also applies to advanced bodhisattvas and arhats who have attained a deep understanding of the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment and have the ability to guide others to attain the same understanding.

Buddha-Bhagavat

When a Buddha is referred to as “Buddha-Bhagavat,” it means that they are a fully-enlightened being, a Buddha, who has attained the highest level of spiritual attainment, and is worthy of reverence and devotion.

In Buddhism, the term “Bhagavat” is a title that is often used to refer to a Buddha. It comes from the word “Bhagavan” which is a term used in ancient Indian languages to refer to a divine or illustrious person. The term “Bhagavat” is often used to indicate a being of great spiritual power and wisdom, and someone who is worthy of reverence and devotion.

When a Buddha is referred to as “Buddha-Bhagavat,” it means that they are a fully-enlightened being, a Buddha, who has attained the highest level of spiritual attainment, and is worthy of reverence and devotion. A Buddha is considered to be a Bhagavat because they have attained perfect understanding of the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment and have the ability to guide others on this path. They have achieved a state of inner peace and freedom from suffering, and are considered to be a source of inspiration and guidance for others.

It’s worth mentioning that the term “Bhagavat” is also used in some other Indian traditions such as Bhakti and Vaishnavism to refer to a divine being or a form of God, but in Buddhism, it is used to refer to fully-enlightened being, a Buddha.

In summary, when a Buddha is referred to as “Buddha-Bhagavat,” it means that they are a fully-enlightened being, a Buddha, who has attained the highest level of spiritual attainment, and is worthy of reverence and devotion. They have attained perfect understanding of the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment, achieved a state of inner peace and freedom from suffering, and are considered to be a source of inspiration and guidance for others. The term “Bhagavat” is used to indicate a being of great spiritual power and wisdom, and someone who is worthy of reverence and devotion. It is used in Buddhism as a title for a fully-enlightened being, a Buddha, who has attained the highest level of spiritual attainment and is worthy of reverence and devotion.