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

I. Introduction

The Lotus Sutra, one of the essential texts in Mahayana Buddhism, presents a wide range of teachings that promote enlightenment and spiritual growth. Among its numerous chapters, Chapter 20, titled “The Bodhisattva Never Disparaging,” conveys the importance of respect and reverence for all beings. This essay will explore the story of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging, the consequences for those who mistreated him, and the key messages and lessons derived from this chapter.

II. The Story of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging

A. Bodhisattva’s Practice

The story of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging unfolds during the era of the King of Majestic Voices, Buddha. Shakyamuni Buddha narrates the tale of this bodhisattva who, rather than studying sutras, chose to show respect to everyone he encountered (Section 1: Paragraphs 1-18). As the sutra states, 

“He would simply bow to people and speak words of praise, saying, ‘I have profound reverence for you, I would never dare treat you with disparagement or arrogance’”

Chapter 20, Section 1, Paragraph 7

By doing so, Bodhisattva Never Disrespectful would affirm the potential for Buddhahood in each person he met.

B. Hostility and Perseverance

Despite facing hostility, rebuke, and assault from individuals with impure minds, the bodhisattva remained unwavering in his commitment to respect and continued to bow and praise them. The sutra illustrates this with the following passage: 

“Because he persisted in this way in bowing to others, people gave him the name Never Disparaging”

Chapter 20, Section 1, Paragraph 9

III. Encounter with the Lotus Sutra and Attainment of Buddhahood

As a result of his constant spirit of reverence, Bodhisattva Never Disrespectful received the teaching of the Lotus Sutra from the sky when he was about to pass away: 

“A voice in the sky…said, ‘Good man, now I will expound to you the Law in which you can find security and which you can trust’”

Chapter 20, Section 1, Paragraph 17

This encounter with the Lotus Sutra became the key to his swift attainment of Buddhahood.

IV. The Consequences for those who mistreated Bodhisattva Never Disrespectful

A. Suffering in Hell

Those who had previously mistreated him, however, suffered in Hell for a thousand kalpas due to the strict nature of the Law of Cause and Effect, which demanded the cleansing and purifying of their negative karma: 

“Those who had spoken evil of him and given him the name Never Disparaging, because of their offense in slandering him, fell into the great Avichi hell for a thousand kalpas”

Chapter 20, Section 1, Paragraph 14

B. Buddha’s Compassionate Salvation

Yet, Shakyamuni Buddha, a profoundly compassionate being, sought to save even these former detractors by leading them to attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra (Section 1: Paragraph 18). In his narration, Shakyamuni Buddha reveals that he was Bodhisattva Never Disrespectful in a previous life, and those who had once treated him contemptuously were now his disciples in the assembly. This highlights the transformative power of the Lotus Sutra and the importance of reading, embracing, and expounding its teachings.

V. Poetic Summary of Bodhisattva Never Disrespectful’s History

In the second section of the chapter, Shakyamuni Buddha speaks in poetic stanzas to summarize the history of Bodhisattva Never Disrespectful (Section 2: Paragraphs 1-15). These stanzas reiterate the story while emphasizing the significance of the bodhisattva’s actions. For example, the sutra states, 

“Because he was able to honor and uphold, he received from the sky a prophecy that he would attain the unsurpassed way”

Chapter 20, Section 2, Paragraph 6

VI. Key Messages and Lessons from Chapter 20

A. The State of Buddhahood in Every Individual

The key messages and lessons from Chapter 20 include the inherent state of Buddhahood in every individual and the strict nature of the Law of Cause and Effect. By recognizing and affirming the potential for Buddhahood in others, one plants the seed for achieving Supreme Perfect Enlightenment within the depth of their life.

B. The Law of Cause and Effect

The strict nature of the Law of Cause and Effect demonstrates that actions have consequences, both positive and negative. In the context of the chapter, those who mistreated Bodhisattva Never Disrespectful experienced suffering due to their actions.

C. Definition of Kalpas

The term “kalpa” is a unit of time in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, often referred to as an aeon or an eon. It represents an incredibly long period of time, so when the sutra mentions that those who mistreated Bodhisattva Never Disrespectful suffered in Hell for a thousand kalpas, it underscores the severity of their actions and the extent of their suffering.

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, Chapter 20 of the Lotus Sutra highlights the enduring relevance of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging’s story and the power of respect and perseverance in fostering personal and societal transformation. By embracing the timeless teachings of the Lotus Sutra and cultivating a spirit of reverence for all beings, spiritual practitioners can unlock their inherent potential for Buddhahood and contribute to a more compassionate and enlightened world. Furthermore, the chapter reminds us of the importance of understanding the Law of Cause and Effect, which can help guide our actions toward positive outcomes and foster a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings.