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

Introduction:

The Lotus Sutra, a foundational text of East Asian Buddhism, offers profound teachings and prophecies illuminating the path to enlightenment for all. In Chapter 6, the Prophecies of Attaining Buddhahood, Shakyamuni Buddha forecasts the future enlightenment of his dedicated disciples, including Maha-Kashyapa, Subhuti, Maha-Katyayana, and Maha-Maudgalyayana. These prophecies hold deep significance as they exemplify the idea that through unwavering devotion, rigorous practice, and steadfast determination, any individual, irrespective of their past or present circumstances, can achieve the ultimate spiritual goal of Buddhahood.

Maha-Kashyapa:

Maha-kashyapa, a highly regarded disciple of the Buddha, is considered one of the most influential figures in early Buddhism. He is known for his strict adherence to monastic discipline and his role as the convener of the First Buddhist Council. In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha prophesies that Maha-kashyapa will become a Buddha named “Light Bright Tathagata.”

Maha-kashyapa was a brahmin by birth who became one of the Buddha’s foremost disciples. Renowned for his asceticism and strict adherence to monastic rules, he played a crucial role in preserving the Dharma following the Buddha’s death. Maha-kashyapa convened the First Buddhist Council at Rajagaha to compile the Buddha’s teachings, ensuring the continuity of the teachings for future generations. His dedication and determination to uphold the Dharma earned him a special place in the Buddhist tradition as an example of unwavering commitment to the path.

There are several different accounts of Maha-kashyapa’s death. According to one tradition, he did not die but entered a state of deep meditative absorption (samadhi) in a cave at the Kukkutapada Mountain, awaiting the arrival of Maitreya, the future Buddha. When Maitreya comes, Maha-kashyapa will pass on the Buddha’s robe to him, symbolizing the continuity of the Dharma. Another account says that he passed away at an old age after leading the First Buddhist Council, attaining final nirvana (parinirvana) upon his death.

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Maha-kashyapa’s prophecy is that he will become a Buddha named 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.

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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:

Another important disciple of the Buddha, Subhuti, is known for his wisdom and deep understanding of the Buddha’s teachings on emptiness and non-self. He plays a prominent role in several Mahayana sutras, including the Diamond Sutra and the Heart Sutra. In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha prophesies that Subhuti will become a Buddha named “Universal Light Tathagata.”

Subhuti was one of the Buddha’s principal disciples, often called an arhat with great wisdom. He is mainly known for his deep understanding of the concept of emptiness (śūnyatā) and non-self (anātman). In Mahayana sutras, such as the Diamond Sutra and the Heart Sutra, Subhuti plays a prominent role, engaging in dialogues with the Buddha about profound aspects of the teachings. His association with these sutras makes him an essential figure in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.

Details about Subhuti’s death are scarce, but it is generally believed that he passed away peacefully after dedicating his life to spreading the Dharma. Like other disciples who attained arhatship, Subhuti would have achieved parinirvana upon his death, signifying the end of the cycle of birth and death.

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Subhuti’s prophecy is that he will become a Buddha named 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 dedicated to studying and practicing Buddhist philosophy for a long time can attain Buddhahood in the future.

Maha-Katyayana:

Maha-katyayana (also known as Katyayana or Maha-Kausthila) was an accomplished disciple skilled in debate and refutation. He often discussed with non-Buddhist philosophers and helped clarify and establish the Buddha’s teachings. In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha prophesizes that Maha-katyayana will become a Buddha named “Jambunada Gold Light Tathagata.”

Born to a Brahmin family, Maha-katyayana was a renowned scholar before becoming one of the Buddha’s prominent disciples. He was known for his great wisdom and ability to debate, and he played a vital role in propagating the Dharma by engaging in discussions with non-Buddhist philosophers. Through his wisdom and eloquence, he helped clarify and establish the Buddha’s teachings, making them more accessible to others. Maha-katyayana’s dedication to promoting the Dharma made him a significant figure in early Buddhism.

The circumstances surrounding Maha-katyayana’s death are unclear, but, likely, he passed away at an old age after spending many years teaching the Dharma. As an arhat, he would have attained parinirvana upon his death.

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Maha-Katyayana’s prophecy is that he will become a Buddha named 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 essential as it shows that even those practicing Buddhism for a shorter period can attain enlightenment and become a Buddha.

Maha-Maudgalyayana:

Maha-maudgalyayana (also known as Maudgalyayana or Moggallana): He was one of the Buddha’s closest and most accomplished disciples, particularly renowned for his psychic powers. He was considered to be second only to the Buddha himself in terms of supernatural abilities. In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha prophesizes that Maha-maudgalyayana will become a Buddha named “Tathagata Tamalapatra Sandalwood Fragrance.”

Maha-maudgalyayana was one of the Buddha’s two chief disciples, alongside Sariputra. Born to a Brahmin family, he became a disciple of the Buddha after meeting with the ascetic Upatissa (who would later become Sariputra). Maha-maudgalyayana was especially renowned for his psychic powers and was considered second only to the Buddha. He used these powers for compassionate purposes, such as teaching and helping sentient beings. Maha-maudgalyayana’s extraordinary abilities and dedication to the Dharma make him a key figure in the Buddhist tradition.

According to traditional accounts, Maha-maudgalyayana’s death was violent. He was known for using his psychic powers to rescue his mother from the realm of hungry ghosts, which made some people view him with suspicion. One day, while on his alms round, he was attacked by bandits, who severely beat him. Although he could have used his powers to escape, he chose not to out of respect for the principle of non-harming. Mortally wounded, Maha-maudgalyayana managed to return to the Buddha and his fellow monks before passing away. As an arhat, he attained parinirvana upon his death.

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Maha-maudgalyayana’s prophecy is that he will become a Buddha named Sandalwood Fragrance of Tamalapatra Tathagata in the land of 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 that even those facing difficulties and challenges on their journey can attain enlightenment and become a Buddha.

Conclusion:

Chapter 6 of the Lotus Sutra is a powerful testament to the potential for spiritual awakening inherent in all individuals. The prophecies bestowed upon Maha-Kashyapa, Subhuti, Maha-Katyayana, and Maha-Maudgalyayana emphasize that enlightenment and Buddhahood are attainable regardless of background, the duration of one’s practice or the challenges faced along the way. These inspirational teachings reinforce the universality of Buddhist philosophy, encouraging and motivating practitioners to persevere in their quest for enlightenment. As a guiding light for those on the spiritual path, the Lotus Sutra and its prophecies remain indispensable sources of wisdom and solace.