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

King Ajatashatru is a historical figure in Buddhism who is said to have lived in ancient India during the time of the Buddha. He is known for being the son of King Bimbisara, the ruler of the powerful kingdom of Magadha. According to Buddhist texts, Ajatashatru was initially a devoted follower of the Buddha and even built a monastery for the monk community. However, he later turned against the Buddha and his father, eventually leading to his father’s death and his own downfall. Despite this, Ajatashatru later repented and became a devotee of the Buddha once again.

In the first chapter of the Lotus Sutra, King Ajatashatru is mentioned as one of the many human and non-human attendees who came to hear the Buddha’s preaching of the Lotus Sutra. He is said to have been present at the assembly where the sutra was expounded, along with other kings, bodhisattvas, and other beings. This is used to illustrate the broad appeal and universality of the Lotus Sutra.

It is said that he became a follower of the Buddha and attained the state of an arhat. In some versions of the Lotus Sutra, King Ajatashatru is said to have pledged to protect and support the Lotus Sutra and its practitioners.