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

I. Introduction

The Lotus Sutra is considered one of the most important Mahayana Buddhist texts, believed to have been composed in India between the first century BCE and the first century CE. It consists of 28 chapters and is known for its emphasis on the Buddha nature inherent in all beings, the importance of bodhisattva practice, and the idea of skillful means, or upaya, in teaching the Dharma.

II. Chapter 26: Dharani

Chapter 26, entitled Dharani, is significant because it emphasizes the power of incantations, or dharani, to protect teachers and practitioners of the Lotus Sutra. This emphasis on the power of words is not unique to the Lotus Sutra; the idea of mantra or sacred sound as a means of spiritual practice and transformation is found in many religious traditions, including Hinduism and Sikhism.

However, in the context of the Lotus Sutra, the emphasis on incantation is significant because it reflects the idea that the Dharma is not simply a set of intellectual concepts, but rather a living, dynamic force that can be accessed and embodied through the voice and the body. Chanting and recitation are seen as ways of connecting with the Buddha’s teachings and invoking their power, as well as purifying one’s mind and creating positive karma.

Furthermore, the incantations in Chapter 26 can be seen as expressions of the Mahayana Buddhist ideal of the bodhisattva, who vows to use their spiritual practice to benefit all beings. The incantations are not simply for one’s protection but for the protection of all those who practice the Lotus Sutra. It reflects that spiritual practice is not solely an individual pursuit but a collective one that benefits all beings.

III. The Power of Incantation in the Lotus Sutra

The Lotus Sutra is one of the most influential and significant texts in Mahayana Buddhism. Chapter 26 of the Lotus Sutra, entitled Dharani, focuses on the power of incantation to protect teachers and practitioners of the Lotus Sutra. This chapter is divided into five sections, each presenting a different incantation by various bodhisattvas and heavenly kings.

IV. Section-by-Section Analysis of Chapter 26

Section 1 of Chapter 26 presents the incantation by Bodhisattva Medicine King, whose role is to protect and heal. The incantation is designed to protect teachers of the Law, which refers to those responsible for teaching the Lotus Sutra to others. The incantation consists of seven paragraphs, emphasizing the power of the Buddha’s teachings to protect those who follow them.

Bodhisattva Medicine King, also known as Bhaishajyaguru or Yao Shi Fo in Chinese, is a bodhisattva associated with healing and medicine in Mahayana Buddhism. His name means “Master of Healing” or “Master of Medicine.”

In the Lotus Sutra, Bodhisattva Medicine King plays a prominent role in Chapter 23 and Chapter 24, where he vows to heal all beings who are sick and suffering, both physically and mentally. He also makes a vow to teach the Dharma to those who require spiritual guidance.

In Chapter 26, Bodhisattva Medicine King presents an incantation designed to protect teachers of the Law, which refers to those responsible for teaching the Lotus Sutra to others. The incantation emphasizes the power of the Buddha’s teachings to protect those who follow them.

“Ani, mani, manei, mamanei, shirei, sharitei, shamya, shabi-tai, sentei, mokutei, mokutabi, shabi, aishabi, soobi, shabi, shaei, ashaei, agini, sentei, shabi, darani, arokya-basai-hashabi-shani, neibitei, abentaraneibitei, atantahareishudai, ukurei, mukurei, ararei, hararei, shukyashi, asammasambi, botsudabikirijittei, darumaharishitei, soogyanekkushanei, bashabashashudai, mantara, mantarashayata, urotaurota, kyoosharya, ashara, ashayataya, abaro, amanyanataya.”

Section 1:5

“O Bhagavat! The dharani is the divine incantation recited by the Buddhas as numerous as 6.5 billion Ganges’ sands. If anyone were to assault or harm the Teachers of the Law, he would have assaulted or harmed the Buddhas!”

section 1:6

“Thereupon Shākyamuni Buddha praised Medicine-King Bodhisattva, saying: ‘Excellent, excellent, Medicine-King! You uttered these dharanis to protect the teachers of the Dharma out of your compassion towards them. You will be able to give many benefits to all living beings.’”

Section 1:7

The Buddha declares this to Medicine-King Bodhisattva in Chapter 26 of the Lotus Sutra. The dharanis are promises made in a language only Medicine-King, and other protective beings understand. When we recite these promises from the Lotus Sutra, we remind those beings of their vows. We also awaken our natures to protect all beings and create benefits both for those beings and ourselves.

Section 2 presents an incantation by Bodhisattva Courageous Giver, known for his bravery and generosity. This incantation is designed to protect both teachers of the Law and practitioners of the Lotus Sutra. The incantation is short and to the point, emphasizing the importance of faith in the Lotus Sutra as a means of protection.

“Thereupon Brave-In-Giving Bodhisattva said to the Buddha: “World-Honored One! I also will utter dhāraṇīs to protect the person who reads, recites, and keeps the Sūtra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma. If he keeps these dhāraṇīs, this teacher of the Dharma will not have his weak points taken advantage of by any yakṣa, rākṣasa, pūtana, kṛtya, kumbhāṇḍa or hungry spirit.”

Then he uttered spells before the Buddha: “Zarei, makazarei, ukki, mokki, arei, arahatei, netsureitei, netsureitahatei, ichini, ichini, shichini, netsureichini, netsurichihachi.”

section 2:2

Bodhisattva Courageous Giver, also known as Bodhisattva Jewel Accumulation, or “Jyupokuson” in Japanese, is one of the bodhisattvas who appears in Chapter 26 of the Lotus Sutra and the Avatamsaka Sutra. he is known for his bravery and his vow to help all beings attain enlightenment. He is also associated with the perfection of generosity, one of the six perfections of the bodhisattva path. He is also known to protect both the teachers and the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra. In the sutra, he recites a short incantation designed to protect those who read, recite, and keep the Lotus Sutra. The incantation emphasizes the importance of faith in the sutra as a means of protection. Courageous Giver is one of the many bodhisattvas who are celebrated for their altruism and their vow to help all beings achieve enlightenment.

Section 3 presents an incantation by Heavenly King Vaishravana, a protector of Buddhist teachings. This incantation is also designed to protect teachers and practitioners of the Lotus Sutra. The incantation emphasizes the power of the Buddhist teachings to overcome obstacles and protect those who follow them.

“Then he uttered spells, “Ari, nari, tonari, anaro, nabi, kunabi.”

section 3:2

Heavenly King Vaishravana, also known as Kubera, is a deity in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. In Buddhism, he is regarded as one of the Four Heavenly Kings, celestial beings that guard the four cardinal directions and protect the Dharma. Vaishravana is the protector of the northern direction and is associated with wealth and prosperity. He is often depicted holding a mongoose, which symbolizes his ability to transform any material into precious wealth. In Chapter 26 of the Lotus Sutra, Vaishravana appears and recites an incantation to protect practitioners of the Lotus Sutra.

Section 4 presents an incantation by Heavenly King Protector of the Nation, whose role is to protect the country and its people. This incantation is specifically designed to protect practitioners of the Lotus Sutra. The incantation emphasizes the power of the Lotus Sutra to protect those who follow it, and it highlights the importance of faith in the sutra as a means of protection.

Then he uttered spells, “Akyanei, kyanei, kuri, kendari, sendari, matoogi, jooguri, furoshani, atchi.”

Section 4:2

Heavenly King Protector of the Nation, also known as Dhritarashtra, is one of the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhist mythology who protect the world and its inhabitants. In the Lotus Sutra, he is depicted as a protector of the Lotus Sutra and its practitioners.

In other Buddhist sutras, he is often called the Heavenly King Virudhaka and is associated with the southern direction. He is often depicted holding a stupa or pagoda and is said to be responsible for keeping watch over the southern quarter of the world to protect it from harm and maintain order.

He is also mentioned in other Mahayana sutras, such as the Avatamsaka Sutra, where he is described as a protector of Buddhist monasteries and the teachings of the Buddha. His role is to protect the Buddhist community and ensure that the teachings of the Buddha are upheld and transmitted accurately.

Overall, Heavenly King, Protector of the Nation, plays an important role in Buddhist mythology as a protector and defender of the Dharma and its practitioners.

Finally, section 5 presents an incantation by the Rakshasa daughters, who are mythical beings known for their protective powers. This incantation is the longest of the five sections and is designed to protect practitioners of the Lotus Sutra. The incantation emphasizes the power of the Lotus Sutra to protect against evil and adversity, and it calls upon the powers of the Rakshasa daughters to protect those who follow the sutra.

Then they uttered spells before the Buddha: “Ideibi, ideibin, ideibi, adeibi, ideibi, deibi, deibi, deibi, deibi, deibi, rokei, rokei, rokei, rokei, takei, takei, takei, tokei, tokei”

section 5:2

In Chapter 26 of the Lotus Sutra, the Rakshasa daughters appear alongside their mother, Mother-Of-Devils, and pledge to protect anyone who reads, recites, and keeps the Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma. They promise that no one shall take advantage of the weak points of this teacher of the Dharma.

Their names are Lambā, Vilambā, Crooked-Teeth, Flower-Teeth, Black-Teeth, Many-Hairs, Insatiable, Necklace-Holding, Kuntī, and Plunderer-Of-Energy-Of-All-Beings. These ten Rakshasīs and their attendants came to the Buddha, together with Mother-Of-Devils and her children and attendants, to pledge their protection.

In the context of the Lotus Sutra, the Rakshasa daughters’ pledge to protect those who follow the sutra reflects the Mahayana Buddhist ideal of the bodhisattva, who vows to use their spiritual practice to benefit all beings. The Rakshasa daughters are seen as powerful protectors who can use their strength for good rather than destruction.

The Rakshasīs are violent, bloodthirsty demons whose nature is to satisfy their cravings at the expense of beings weaker than themselves. In the Lotus Sūtra, we learn of their capacity to use their strength to protect others and or their vow to the Buddha to defend anyone who keeps this sutra. We understand that when we dedicate our power to the caring for other beings rather than destroying them, we gain the merit which will bring us closer to enlightenment. We learn from their example about our natures and that of the beings we share with this world.

The sutra provides specific names for each of the Rakshasa daughters who offer their protection to those who uphold the Lotus Sutra. Kunti is one of the names mentioned. It is interesting to note the connection to the character from the Mahabharata, the mother of the Pandavas — the five brothers, demigods, and heroes of this treasured epic from Southern Asia. It is possible that the name was used to draw a connection between the two traditions or to draw upon the symbolic power associated with the character. In any case, the specific names of the rakshasa daughters in the Lotus Sutra add to the richness and depth of the text, and they serve as powerful symbols of protection and transformation.

The protection offered by the Demon Daughters differs from that provided by the other dharanis because it is not based on the practitioner’s understanding or practice of the Lotus Sutra. Instead, it is based on the practitioner’s simple faith in the power of the sutra to protect them. This type of protection is often referred to as “blind faith” or “ignorant faith,” It is often looked down upon by those who believe that true faith must be based on an understanding of the teachings. However, the Lotus Sutra itself teaches that even ignorant belief can be powerful and that it can lead to enlightenment.

The Demon Daughters offer protection to those who only say the title of the sutra because they believe that the sutra is the source of all good and that it can protect those who believe in it. They think that the sutra can protect its practitioners from harm, both physical and spiritual and that it can lead them to a better life.

The protection offered by the Demon Daughters is not without its limitations. It will not protect practitioners from all harm, and it will not lead them to enlightenment overnight. However, it can provide a measure of protection and comfort in times of trouble, and it can help practitioners to develop a stronger faith in the Lotus Sutra.

V. The Power of Dharani and Its Importance in Buddhist Practice

The key message of this chapter is the power of Dharani, which is a form of incantation in which the voice is used, as opposed to samadhi, in which a focused mind is involved. Dharani is a way to connect with the power of the Buddha’s teachings and invoke their protection. The use of incantations and chanting is an important aspect of Buddhist practice, and it is believed to be a powerful tool for spiritual development and protection.

VI. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lotus Sutra, chapter 26, Dharani, presents a series of incantations that emphasize the power of the Buddha’s teachings to protect practitioners of the Lotus Sutra. These incantations are given by various bodhisattvas and heavenly kings, each of whom has a specific role in Buddhist mythology. The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in the Lotus Sutra as a means of protection and the power of Dharani to connect with the Buddha’s teachings. Overall, this chapter is an important reminder of the role of incantation and chanting in Buddhist practice and its importance in spiritual development and protection.

An Original Poem:

Oh Bhagavat, divine and pure,
The dharani, incantation sure,
Recited by Buddhas far and wide,
As countless as Ganges’ sands collide.

Harm not the Teachers of the Law,
For in doing so, you harm much more.
You harm the Buddhas, great and true,
And all they stand for, and all they do.

The power of the dharani is vast,
A shield against harm, it will last.
Protecting those who teach and guide,
And all those who walk the Buddha’s side.

So let us all with reverence show,
Our gratitude, our love, and know,
That with the dharani, we can stand,
Against all harm, with a steadfast hand.

Inspired by the Lotus Sutra,
Chapter 26, Dharani,
Section 1:6