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

The Lotus Sutra is one of the essential texts in Mahayana Buddhism, offering a comprehensive guide to the path of the bodhisattva and the attainment of enlightenment. Chapter 14 of the Lotus Sutra, Expounding with Peace and Joy, guides how bodhisattvas-mahasattvas should share the teachings of the Lotus Sutra with others during the age of evil.

In section one, paragraphs one to eight, Bodhisattva Manjushri asks how bodhisattvas-mahasattvas should expound the Lotus Sutra during the evil age. Shakyamuni Buddha tells the assembly how to expound the Lotus Sutra effectively; bodhisattvas-mahasattvas should follow the Four Principles outlined in chapter 14. The First Principle is appropriate actions, which involve cultivating patience, perseverance, gentleness, kindness, non-judgment, and non-discrimination.

The Second Principle is appropriate associations, which involves understanding people’s capacities and viewing the world phenomena as intrinsically empty. By embodying these qualities, bodhisattvas-mahasattvas create a peaceful and joyful state of mind that allows them to share the Lotus Sutra’s teachings with others effectively.

In section two, paragraphs one to 21, Shakyamuni Buddha summarizes the essence of the First and Second Principles in poetic stanzas. To preach the Lotus Sutra effectively, bodhisattvas-mahasattvas should cultivate patience, perseverance, and joyful and peaceful states of mind. When people raise questions, they should always answer by referring to the Great Vehicle, avoiding comparisons to other people or sutras.

In section three, paragraphs one to 15, we learn to refer to the Great Vehicle as an essential aspect of sharing the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. In Mahayana Buddhism, the Great Vehicle refers to the path of the bodhisattva, which emphasizes the importance of developing compassion for all beings and striving for enlightenment not just for oneself but for the benefit of all beings. Therefore, by referring to the Great Vehicle when sharing the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, bodhisattvas-mahasattvas emphasize the unique teachings of the Lotus Sutra within the context of the Mahayana tradition.

In section four, paragraphs one to 11, the Third Principle is to regard Buddhas as their benevolent fathers and bodhisattvas as great teachers. Therefore, bodhisattvas-mahasattvas should refrain from engaging in unworthy debates over different doctrines and be mindful not to cause regrets and doubts in other disciples by making insensitive and arrogant remarks. They should also practice equality in preaching the Law, knowing when to stop when sufficient Dharma has been taught.

In section five, paragraphs one to four, the Fourth Principle is to develop a mind of great compassion for all living beings, especially those who have yet to encounter the Lotus Sutra. By doing so, bodhisattvas-mahasattvas will be able to effectively share the teachings of the Lotus Sutra with others and help them on the path to enlightenment.

In section six, paragraphs one to ten, The parable of the Precious Pearl in the Topknot is found in chapter 14 of the Lotus Sutra. It emphasizes the value and significance of the teachings of the Buddha, particularly those contained in the Lotus Sutra.

In the parable, a Holy King of Wheel-Turning kept a precious pearl in his topknot and only gave it to an outstanding soldier who had proven himself worthy by scoring great victories in battles against devils. The pearl represented the goal of spiritual attainment or enlightenment, and it was given only to those who had triumphed over the obstacles and challenges of the spiritual path.

The parable teaches that the Lotus Sutra is the precious pearl taught by the Buddha and that it is the foremost among all sutras. This is because the teachings of the Lotus Sutra offer a comprehensive and detailed guide to the path of the bodhisattva, emphasizing the importance of compassion, wisdom, and the attainment of enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.

The parable emphasizes that the teachings of the Lotus Sutra are the ultimate reward in attaining Buddhahood and that they are freely available to all beings who sincerely seek spiritual liberation. Therefore, by studying and applying the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, we can cultivate the qualities of the bodhisattva and help others on the path to enlightenment.

Overall, the parable of the Precious Pearl in the Topknot is a powerful reminder of the value and significance of the teachings of the Buddha and the need to cultivate a sincere desire to obtain its wisdom to attain spiritual liberation.

In section seven, paragraphs one to 27, Shakyamuni Buddha speaks poetically, summarizing his teachings. He enumerates the merits, benefits, and protection of embracing the Lotus Sutra.

Here is a summary of the merits, benefits, and protection achieved from embracing the Lotus Sutra, as described in section seven of chapter 14 of the Lotus Sutra:

• Merits:
  • Those who embrace the Lotus Sutra will be born in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, where they will attain Buddhahood.
  • They will also be protected from all harm, both physical and spiritual.
  • They will have a clear understanding of the true nature of reality.
  • They will be able to help others to achieve enlightenment.
• Benefits:
  • Those who embrace the Lotus Sutra will enjoy a long and happy life.
  • They will be wealthy and prosperous.
  • They will be respected and admired by all.
  • They will be free from sickness and suffering.
• Protection:
  • Those who embrace the Lotus Sutra will be protected from physical and spiritual harm.
  • They will be safe from fire, water, wind, and other natural disasters.
  • They will be safe from robbers, bandits, and other criminals.
  • They will be safe from disease and illness.

In addition to these merits, benefits, and protection, those who embrace the Lotus Sutra will also gain the following:

• A deep understanding of the Dharma: The Lotus Sutra is the Buddha’s most profound and complete teaching. It contains all of the instructions that the Buddha taught throughout his lifetime. By embracing the Lotus Sutra, one can understand the Dharma and the true nature of reality.
• The ability to help others: The Lotus Sutra teaches us how to help others to achieve enlightenment. By following the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, we can become bodhisattvas, compassionate beings who dedicate their lives to helping others.
• The path to Buddhahood: The Lotus Sutra is the path to Buddhahood. By embracing the Lotus Sutra and following its teachings, we can attain Buddhahood, the state of perfect enlightenment.

The Lotus Sutra is a precious treasure that can benefit and protect us. If we embrace the Lotus Sutra with faith and sincerity, we can achieve great things in this life and the next.

In conclusion, Chapter 14 of the Lotus Sutra provides valuable guidance for bodhisattvas-mahasattvas on how to share the Lotus Sutra’s teachings with others effectively. By following the Four Principles outlined in the chapter, bodhisattvas-mahasattvas can cultivate the qualities necessary to create a peaceful and joyful state of mind and help others on the path to spiritual liberation. The parable of the Precious Pearl in the Topknot emphasizes the value and significance of the teachings of the Buddha and the need to approach them with a sincere desire to obtain their wisdom. By incorporating these teachings into our lives, we can cultivate the qualities of the bodhisattva and work towards the goal of enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.