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

“Five hundred disciples, with dignity graced,
Shall attain Buddhahood, prophecy traced,
Each in their future lives, destined to see
The virtues of enlightenment, fully set free.

“Listen closely, all of you, heed my voice,
As I now recount, past lives, our choice,
Causes and conditions, intertwined and fused,
Mine and yours, history now diffused.”

Inspired by the Lotus Sutra,
Chapter 6,
Prophecies of Attaining Buddhahood,
Section 5.11-12

The Lotus Sutra holds a revered position in East Asian Buddhism, as it contains teachings and prophecies that are essential for comprehending Buddhist philosophy and the path to enlightenment. Chapter 6, the Prophecies of Attaining Buddhahood, predicts the future Buddhahood of several disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha, including Maha-Kashyapa, Subhuti, Maha-Katyayana, and Maha-Maudgalyayana.

Maha-Kashyapa’s prophecy is that he will become a Buddha with the name Resplendent Tathagata in the land known as Brilliant Virtue during the kalpa of Great Glory. This prediction is critical because it emphasizes the idea that even a disciple of the Buddha can achieve enlightenment and become a Buddha in the future. This is a crucial concept in Buddhist philosophy as it demonstrates that through hard work and practice, anyone, regardless of their background, can attain Buddhahood.

The request of Maudgalyayana, Subhuti, and Maha-Katyayana to reveal their prophecies highlights their deep devotion and respect for the Buddha and his teachings. They seek to understand their path to enlightenment and the role they will play in the future.

Subhuti’s prophecy is that he will become a Buddha with the name Eminent Form Tathagata in the land known as Jewels Arise during the kalpa of Presence of Jewels. This prediction is significant because it indicates that even those who have been dedicated to the study and practice of Buddhist philosophy for a long time can attain Buddhahood in the future.

Maha-Katyayana’s prophecy is that he will become a Buddha with the name Golden Light of Jambunada Tathagata. The Buddha will have a lifespan of twelve small kalpas, and his True Law will last for twenty small kalpas while his Pseudo Law will also last for twenty small kalpas. This prophecy is important as it shows that even those who have been practicing Buddhism for a shorter period can attain enlightenment and become a Buddha.

Maha-Maudgalyayana’s prophecy is that he will become a Buddha with the name Sandalwood Fragrance of Tamalapatra Tathagata in the land known as Joy of the Mind during the kalpa of Abundant Joy. The Buddha will have a lifespan of twenty-four small kalpas, and his True Law will last in the world for forty small kalpas while his Pseudo Law will also last for forty small kalpas. This prediction is significant because it emphasizes the idea that even those who have faced difficulties and challenges on their journey can attain enlightenment and become a Buddha.

In conclusion, the prophecies in Chapter 6 of the Lotus Sutra highlight the importance of devotion and practice in Buddhist philosophy. These predictions emphasize that anyone, regardless of their background, length of time practicing Buddhism, or challenges they have faced, can attain enlightenment and become a Buddha in the future. These prophecies are crucial teachings in Buddhist philosophy, as they encourage and inspire individuals to continue on the path to enlightenment. The Lotus Sutra provides guidance and direction for individuals seeking to attain enlightenment, and these prophecies are an integral part of that guidance.