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

Introduction:

The Lotus Sutra is one of the most revered Buddhist texts and has been a significant influence on Buddhism throughout Asia. Composed over a period of several centuries, the sutra represents a culmination of Buddhist teachings, emphasizing the importance of compassion, wisdom, and selflessness. The sutra has been influential in shaping Buddhist thought and practice, and continues to be a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world.

Chapter 27 of the Lotus Sutra, also known as the “History of King Magnificent Glory,” is one of the most well-known and beloved chapters in the sutra. This chapter tells the story of a powerful king who, along with his family, overcomes attachment to wrong views and achieves enlightenment by following the teachings of the Buddha. The chapter emphasizes the importance of good friends as a source of blessings and the cause and condition for attaining Buddhahood.

The Historical Context of the Lotus Sutra:

The Lotus Sutra was composed over a period of several centuries, between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE. It represents a culmination of Buddhist thought and practice and is considered one of the most important Mahayana sutras. The sutra was first translated into Chinese in the 3rd century and quickly became popular throughout East Asia. It has been influential in shaping Buddhist thought and practice, and continues to be a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world.

The Role of Chapter 27:

Chapter 27 of the Lotus Sutra is one of the most well-known and beloved chapters in the sutra. It tells the story of King Magnificent Glory, who overcomes attachment to wrong views and achieves enlightenment by following the teachings of the Buddha. The chapter emphasizes the importance of good friends as a source of blessings and the cause and condition for attaining Buddhahood. The chapter has been a significant influence on Buddhist thought and practice, particularly in East Asia, where it has been a source of inspiration for millions of people.

I. Introduction: The Importance of Compassion and Wisdom in the Lotus Sutra

The Lotus Sutra is one of the most revered Buddhist texts and has been a significant influence on Buddhism throughout Asia. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating compassion, wisdom, and selflessness to attain enlightenment. Chapter 27 of the Lotus Sutra, also known as the “History of King Magnificent Glory,” is one of the most well-known and beloved chapters in the sutra. This essay explores the significance of the Lotus Sutra and the role of Chapter 27 in shaping Buddhist thought and practice.

II. The Story of King Magnificent Glory and His Family

Chapter 27 of the Lotus Sutra tells the story of King Magnificent Glory, a powerful king who overcomes attachment to wrong views and achieves enlightenment by following the teachings of the Buddha. King Magnificent Glory had two sons, Pure Treasury and Pure Sight, who wished to leave home and practice the Buddha’s teachings. However, their father was attached to the teachings of a Brahman and did not allow them to follow the path of the Buddha. Nevertheless, their mother, Queen Pure Virtue, suggested that they use their divine powers to purify their father’s mind. When their father witnessed the manifestation of their divine powers, he was convinced of the Buddha’s teachings and invited his sons to meet the Buddha.

“The two sons, Pure-Store and Pure-Eyes, came to their mother, joined their ten fingers and palms together, and said, ‘Mother! Go to Cloud Thunderpeal-Star-King-Flower-Wisdom Buddha! We will also attend to him, approach him, make offerings to him, and bow to him because he is expounding the Sūtra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma to all gods and men.”

LS 27:1.5

III. The Power of the Lotus Sutra to Transform Lives

The story of King Magnificent Glory and his family demonstrates the transformative power of the Lotus Sutra. The chapter emphasizes the importance of cultivating wisdom and compassion to attain enlightenment and illustrates how even powerful rulers can benefit from the Buddha’s teachings. The Lotus Sutra is a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world, and its teachings continue to be relevant today.

IV. Good Friends as the Cause and Condition for Attaining Buddhahood

Chapter 27 of the Lotus Sutra emphasizes the importance of good friends as a source of blessings and the cause and condition for attaining Buddhahood. King Magnificent Glory was able to achieve enlightenment because of the support and guidance of his family and the teachings of the Buddha. The sutra teaches that by being a good friend to others and leading them to the path of happiness through the Lotus Sutra, we can all aspire to attain enlightenment and benefit all beings.

As the four groups of people looked on, Wise and Royal King of Thunderous Sounds in the Clouds Buddha addressed them:

“Do you see this King Magnificent Glory standing before me with his palms pressed together? In the Law of the Buddha, this king will become a monk who will conscientiously practice and propagate the Buddha-Law. He will become a Buddha called King of Sal Tree. His land will be called Great Light and his kalpa will be called Great Lofty King. His merits are immeasurable: he will have immeasurable bodhisattvas as well as immeasurable shravakas, and his land will be even and smooth.”

LS 27: 2.8

V. Cherishing the Wonderful People in Our Lives

The story of King Magnificent Glory and his family illustrates the importance of cherishing the wonderful people in our lives. Children, spouses, friends, and relatives are sources of great blessings, and by being good friends to others, we can help them to achieve their own enlightenment. The Lotus Sutra teaches us to cherish the people around us and lead them to the path of happiness through the teachings of the Buddha.

‘O Great King! You should know that a good friend is the reason—the great cause and condition—that results in one being transformed and being able to meet a Buddha. It is also the reason for the awakening of the desire to attain Supreme Perfect Enlightenment.’”

LS 27: 2.12

VI. Conclusion: Aspiring to Enlightenment and Benefiting All Beings

The Lotus Sutra teaches the importance of cultivating wisdom and compassion to attain enlightenment. Chapter 27, the “History of King Magnificent Glory,” emphasizes the importance of good friends as the cause and condition for attaining Buddhahood. By cherishing the wonderful people in our lives and leading others to the path of happiness through the Lotus Sutra, we can all aspire to attain enlightenment and benefit all beings. The Lotus Sutra continues to be a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world, and its teachings remain relevant today.

An Original Poem:

Oh great King, you must know true
A good friend is the reason, it’s not new
The cause and condition to meet a Buddha
And awaken the desire to attain Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, the big kahuna

Through friendship, one’s life can be transformed
To meet the enlightened and be conformed
The power of a friend cannot be ignored
In the journey towards the path of the Lord

So cherish your friends, for they are great
The true cause and condition to change fate
And through the journey of enlightenment, they will guide
And help us conquer, transform and abide.

Inspired by the Lotus Sutra,
chapter 27,
History of King Magnificent Glory,
Section 2, paragraph 12