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

The true aspect of reality,
Is that of birthless and deathless clarity,
What is sin? What is blessing?
My mind is effortlessly empty, confessing.
Hence sin and blessing have no master,
Only the truth of all realities, a shining caster.
Of non-abiding nor decaying,
In this manner we should repent, we should be praying.
Meditate upon the mind that has no real mind,
Understand reality does not comply with the Law, a find.
Perceive all realities, truth of emancipation,
Of nirvana, of tranquility, realization.
This method of contemplation, a Great Repentance,
Adorned, Sinless, Annihilation of the Conscious Mind, a sentence.
By practicing repentance in this way,
Achieve purification of body and mind, we may.

Inspired by the Lotus Sutra,
The Sutra of Meditation on Bodhisattva Universal Worthy,
Section 7, paragraph 5

The Sutra of Meditation on Bodhisattva Universal Worthy is a prominent Buddhist text that outlines the principles of meditation, repentance, and purification. This sutra is divided into nine sections that provide guidance to practitioners on the path of enlightenment. This essay will provide a detailed overview of each section of the sutra.

Section 1, which consists of paragraphs 1-20, addresses Ananda, and the Buddha teaches the Basic Stage of Meditation of Bodhisattva Universal Worthy. This section introduces the concept of visualization of sequential events that led to the appearance of Bodhisattva Universal Worthy. Practitioners are guided to meditate on the bodhisattva and to visualize the various stages of his enlightenment, which serve as a source of inspiration for their own practice.

In section 2, consisting of paragraphs 1-23, Bodhisattva Universal Worthy provides guidance in the Method of Repentance and Purification of the Six Sense Organs. This section is aimed at practitioners and outlines the various steps involved in the purification of the six sense organs. Bodhisattva Universal Worthy instructs practitioners on how to purify their sense organs, which is critical to progress on the path of enlightenment.

Section 3, consisting of paragraphs 1-9, delves further into the Basic Stage of the Purification of the eyes. The Buddha teaches practitioners how to purify their eyes by visualizing the six paramitas, which include generosity, morality, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom. Through this visualization, practitioners can achieve a higher level of awareness and spiritual purification.

Section 4, consisting of paragraphs 1-5, describes the steps involved in the repentance of the ears. This section emphasizes the importance of being mindful of what we hear and how we listen to others. Practitioners are taught to repent and purify their ears by hearing the Buddha’s teachings and following his guidance.

Section 5, consisting of paragraphs 1-4, describes the steps involved in the repentance of the nose. This section highlights the importance of being mindful of what we smell and how we smell things. Practitioners are taught to purify their noses by avoiding unpleasant smells and focusing on pleasant scents that remind them of the Buddha’s teachings.

Section 6, consisting of paragraphs 1-3, describes the steps involved in the repentance of the tongue. This section emphasizes the importance of being mindful of what we say and how we speak. Practitioners are taught to purify their tongues by speaking kindly, avoiding lies and divisive speech, and focusing on words that promote peace and understanding.

Section 7, consisting of paragraphs 1-8, describes the steps involved in the repentance of the body and mind. This section emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our actions and thoughts. Practitioners are taught to purify their body and mind by avoiding harmful actions and thoughts and cultivating positive qualities such as compassion and wisdom.

In section 8, consisting of paragraphs 1-8, the Buddha speaks in stanzas to summarize his teaching of the Method of Purification of the Six Sense Organs―eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. This section highlights the importance of purifying all six sense organs in order to achieve a higher level of spiritual purification and enlightenment.

Section 9, consisting of paragraphs 1-20, further explains the Method of Repentance of the Six Sense Organs through Meditation on Bodhisattva Universal Worthy, as well as the five Methods of Repentance for Kshatriyas and Ordinary Citizens. This section emphasizes the importance of regular meditation and repentance for spiritual growth and enlightenment.

In conclusion, the Sutra of Meditation on Bodhisattva Universal Worthy is a comprehensive text that provides guidance to practitioners on the path of spiritual growth and enlightenment. Through the nine sections of the sutra, practitioners are taught various methods of meditation, repentance, and purification aimed at cultivating positive qualities such as compassion, wisdom, and morality.

The sutra emphasizes the importance of purifying all six sense organs to achieve a higher level of spiritual purification and enlightenment. Practitioners are taught to be mindful of what they see, hear, smell, taste, touch, and think, and to cultivate positive qualities in each area.

Overall, the Sutra of Meditation on Bodhisattva Universal Worthy serves as a valuable resource for Buddhist practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of Buddhist teachings and practices. Through regular meditation, repentance, and purification, practitioners can achieve a higher level of spiritual growth and move closer to enlightenment.