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

If one keeps, reads, recites, expounds,
And copies even a single gatha profound,
Of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma,
And offers it respect, like to mine own persona.

With flowers, incense, necklaces, and powders sweet,
Canopies, banners, streamers, garments neat,
And music played with reverence true,
Or simply hands folded, in homage anew.

Know this, Medicine-King, such a one appears,
In the world of men, out of compassion clear,
For all living beings, though ten billion Buddhas before,
He offered to, fulfilling his vow and more.

Inspired by the Lotus Sutra,
Teachers of the Law,
Chapter 10.1.3

Introduction:

The Lotus Sutra is one of the most important Buddhist texts, revered for its teachings on the bodhisattva way and its role in attaining Supreme Perfect Enlightenment. Chapter 10 of the Lotus Sutra, titled “Teachers of the Law,” outlines the significance of embracing and spreading the Lotus Sutra as the correct and proper manner of practicing the bodhisattva way. In this essay, we will explore the key ideas presented in Chapter 10 and their relevance for Buddhist philosophy.

Section 1: The Role of Bodhisattvas in Spreading the Lotus Sutra

Shakyamuni Buddha begins by predicting that anyone who hears even a single stanza or phrase of the Lotus Sutra and experiences momentary joy will eventually attain Supreme Perfect Enlightenment. He explains that great bodhisattvas, who are the emissaries of the Buddha, forgo their rewards and choose to be reborn during the age of evil out of compassion for living beings, to expound the Lotus Sutra. People who embrace the Lotus Sutra are accorded the same reverence as that of a Buddha, as it provides joy and protection by all Buddhas.

Section 2: The Importance of Embracing the Lotus Sutra

The Buddha reveals that the Lotus Sutra is the most difficult to believe and the most difficult to understand due to its Secret Treasuries of all Buddhas. However, anyone who embraces the teaching by reading, copying, or expounding for others will be protected by all Buddhas. The location where the Lotus Sutra is read, copied, or kept is considered sacred, and a pagoda should be constructed there because the entire body of the Buddha is present.

Shakyamuni Buddha stresses that those who have not encountered the Lotus Sutra are not practicing the bodhisattva way in a correct and proper manner. If a living being accepts and practices the Lotus Sutra, they are already very near to attaining Buddhahood. The Buddha warns that fear and doubt regarding the Lotus Sutra may be due to novice bodhisattvas or overbearing arrogance.

To spread the Lotus Sutra successfully, one ought to practice great compassion, gentleness, and patience, and the Law of Emptiness. The Law of Emptiness refers to the concept that all things are empty of inherent existence, and this realization can lead to freedom from suffering and enlightenment.

The Buddha also discusses the two types of Teachers of the Law: those who preach in the midst of an assembly and those who share even one phrase of the Lotus Sutra to their families and friends. Both forms of spreading the Lotus Sutra are equally important and can have a profound impact on the lives of others.

Conclusion:

The Lotus Sutra, Chapter 10: Teachers of the Law, highlights the importance of embracing and spreading the Lotus Sutra as the correct and proper manner of practicing the bodhisattva way. The Lotus Sutra provides joy, protection by all Buddhas, and is a requirement for attaining Supreme Perfect Enlightenment. Therefore, it is crucial to embrace and spread the Lotus Sutra through great compassion, gentleness, and patience, and the Law of Emptiness. By doing so, we can create a world of greater understanding, compassion, and enlightenment for all.