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

In time to come, the Buddha spoke to Ananda,
Of a life yet to be, a future agenda,
“A Buddha you’ll be, with a name of great power,
King of Natural Wisdom, as vast as mountain and tower.

Tathagata, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly Wise,
In Knowledge and Conduct, your light will rise,
Well-Liberated, the Omniscient, the Almighty,
A Master Trainer, Teacher of Heavenly and Earthly.

Buddha-Bhagavat, your title shall be,
Enlightened and perfect, for all to see.
Your wisdom will flow like a great ocean tide,
And all beings will benefit from your noble guide.”

Inspired by the Lotus Sutra,
Chapter 9.1.3
Prophecies for Arhats, Apprentices, and Proficient Disciples

The Lotus Sutra is one of the most important texts in Buddhist teachings. Chapter 9, Prophecies for Arhats, Apprentices, and Proficient Disciples, provides valuable insight into the journey of enlightenment for all disciples of the Buddha.

In this chapter, Shakyamuni Buddha predicts that Ananda, a disciple, will become a Buddha with the name King of Natural Wisdom as Great as Mountain and Ocean Tathagata. He explains that Ananda’s True Law and Pseudo Law will last for twice his lifetime. Shakyamuni Buddha also predicts that Rahula, another disciple, will become a Buddha with the name Walking on Flowers of Seven Treasures Tathagata. Rahula will always be reborn as the eldest son of the Buddha before attaining Buddhahood. The chapter also predicts that the two thousand disciples of the Buddha will become Buddhas with an identical name of Jewel Form Tathagata.

“True Law,” also known as “true Dharma” or “real Dharma,” refers to the ultimate truth of Buddhism, which is said to be beyond words and concepts. It is the essence of the Buddha’s teachings, which point to the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment. True Law is sometimes contrasted with “provisional teachings,” which are more conventional or pragmatic teachings that are intended to help individuals develop spiritual insight and understanding.

“Pseudo Law,” on the other hand, refers to false or distorted interpretations of the Buddha’s teachings. These might include teachings that are based on incorrect understandings of the nature of reality or that are motivated by personal gain or power rather than genuine spiritual insight. Pseudo Law can be seen as a kind of spiritual delusion that distracts individuals from the true path to enlightenment.

The reasons for Ananda’s prophecy are outlined in the chapter. Ananda conceived the aspiration of attaining Supreme Perfect Enlightenment in the remote past. This aspiration, coupled with his delight in the wide knowledge of the Law and Shakyamuni Buddha’s diligence in attaining Buddhahood, led to Ananda’s eventual enlightenment. Ananda will become the Guardian of the Law who upholds and protects the Treasury of the Law for all Buddhas in the future.

In the third section, Shakyamuni Buddha predicts that Rahula will become a Buddha with the name Walking on Flowers of Seven Treasures Tathagata. He will always be reborn as the eldest son of the Buddha before attaining Buddhahood and his land, lifespan, disciples, True Law, and Pseudo Law will be the same as Ananda’s. The two thousand disciples of the Buddha are also predicted to become Buddhas with an identical name of Jewel Form Tathagata. Their lifespans will be one kalpa, and their lands, disciples, True Law, and Pseudo Law will all be identical.

The key message of this chapter is that every disciple of the Buddha is sure to attain Buddhahood eventually. The name of a Buddha reflects their nature and characteristics. It is not just a label or identifier, but rather a reflection of the qualities that the Buddha embodies. The chapter reinforces the message that every disciple is on a path to ultimate enlightenment and that they will eventually become a Buddha, a being of supreme wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment.

In conclusion, Chapter 9 of the Lotus Sutra is a crucial chapter that provides guidance to all disciples on their journey to enlightenment. This chapter lays out the predictions for the eventual Buddhahood of Ananda, Rahula, and the two thousand disciples and offers insight into the significance of the name of each Buddha. It reinforces the message that every disciple is on a path to ultimate enlightenment and that they will eventually become a Buddha, a being of supreme wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment.