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

“O Bhagavat! Now I shall use my divine powers to guard and shield the Lotus Sutra. After the parinirvana of the Tathagata, I will ensure that the Lotus Sutra is being widely propagated throughout Jambudvipa for eternity.”

 LS 28: 1.16

This passage is from the Lotus Sutra, one of the most important and influential Mahayana Buddhist texts. The Lotus Sutra presents a series of teachings attributed to the Buddha, emphasizing the universal potential for Buddhahood and the importance of compassion, wisdom, and skillful means in the pursuit of enlightenment.

In this passage, Bodhisattva Universal Worthy is pledging to use his divine powers to protect and spread the Lotus Sutra after the Buddha’s parinirvana (the Buddha’s final passing away or entrance into ultimate nirvana). Bodhisattva Universal Worthy is making a vow to ensure that the Lotus Sutra is propagated throughout Jambudvipa (a term referring to the inhabited world or Earth) for all time. This demonstrates a deep commitment to upholding the sutra’s teachings and ensuring they remain accessible to all sentient beings.

The passage highlights the importance of the Lotus Sutra in Mahayana Buddhism and the willingness of its adherents to make great efforts to preserve and share its teachings. This dedication to the sutra is a testament to its message’s transformative power and capacity to inspire devotion and spiritual practice.

Introduction

The Lotus Sutra is one of the most revered texts in Mahayana Buddhism, containing the teachings of the Buddha Shakyamuni and providing guidance on how to attain enlightenment. Chapter 28 of the Lotus Sutra, entitled “Encouragement of Bodhisattva Universal Worthy,” introduces us to a figure who personifies great vows, actions, and meditation. This chapter is rich with valuable teachings, and in this essay, we will explore its key messages and their significance.

Bodhisattva Universal Worthy’s Encounter with the Lotus Sutra

In the first section of Chapter 28, we learn about Bodhisattva Universal Worthy’s encounter with the Lotus Sutra. He is moved by what he hears in the land of King of Precious Dignity and Superior Virtue Buddha and travels to the Saha world to listen to the teachings again. He asks the Buddha a question and bestows the dharani for the protection of the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra. Moreover, he vows to protect the Lotus Sutra, ensuring its widespread propagation throughout Jambudvipa. The Buddha responds by laying out the four conditions that virtuous men and women must fulfill to obtain the Lotus Sutra after his parinirvana.

“After the parinirvana of Tathagata, virtuous men, and women will be able to obtain the Lotus Sutra if they fulfill the following four conditions: First, they are protected and kept in mind by the Buddhas. Second, they have cultivated an abundance of virtuous roots. Third, they have entered the clusters of right concentration. Fourth, they have awakened the aspiration to save all living beings. If any virtuous men and women have fulfilled the above-mentioned criteria, they will be certain to obtain the Lotus Sutra after the parinirvana of Tathagata.”

LS 28:1.3-4

This chapter section highlights the importance of vows and actions in Buddhism. Bodhisattva Universal Worthy embodies the power of vows and the importance of acting on them. By making a vow to protect the Lotus Sutra and its practitioners, he sets in motion a force that ensures the teachings will continue to spread throughout the world. This message is particularly relevant today when many search for meaning and purpose. It reminds us that we can make a difference in the world by acting toward our goals, no matter how small they may seem.

The Power and Importance of the Lotus Sutra and its Practitioners

The second section of Chapter 28 emphasizes the power and importance of the Lotus Sutra and its practitioners. Shakyamuni Buddha tells us that those who embrace the Lotus Sutra have already seen him and that honest and upright practitioners will not be troubled by the Three Poisons. He also reminds us that practitioners of the Lotus Sutra should be treated with the utmost respect, the same as is accorded to the Buddhas. Those who practice gratitude and contentment with daily necessities will have all their prayers and dreams fulfilled. In contrast, those who slander and disparage the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra will receive their due compensation.

“O Universal Worthy! In future ages, those who accept, embrace, read, and recite the Lotus Sutra will not be greedy for clothing, bedding, food, drink, or any other daily necessities. As such, all their wishes and prayers will be fulfilled, and they will receive the rewards of great blessings and good fortune in their present lifetimes….”

LS 28:2.4-5

This chapter section guides us on how to live our lives by Buddhist principles. It reminds us that our actions have consequences and must strive to live with integrity and compassion. The teachings of the Lotus Sutra can help us overcome the negative emotions that can cloud our minds and prevent us from achieving our goals. It also reminds us to respect all beings, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Bodhisattva Universal Worthy as a Symbol of Vows and Actions

Bodhisattva Universal Worthy is the personification of excellent vows, actions, and meditation. He is the bodhisattva who ensures widespread propagation of the Lotus Sutra on Earth. He fulfills his great vow to make things happen. People who are not greedy but practice gratitude and contentment with daily necessities will have all their prayers and dreams fulfilled. In contrast, those who slander and disparage the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra will receive their due compensation.

“O Bhagavat! Now I shall use my divine powers to guard and shield the Lotus Sutra. After the parinirvana of Tathagata, I will ensure that the Lotus Sutra is being widely propagated throughout Jambudvipa for eternity.”

LS 28:1.16

Recapping the significance of Bodhisattva Universal Worthy’s vow to protect the Lotus Sutra and its practitioners, this chapter emphasizes the power of vows and the importance of acting on them. By following his example, we can make a difference in the world and live a life that aligns with Buddhist principles.

“O Universal Worthy! During the last five hundred years after the parinirvana of Tathagata, anyone who sees those who accept, embrace, read, and recite the Lotus Sutra should think as such: ‘Before long, these people will arrive at the sanctuaries of enlightenment, vanquish the armies of devils, and attain Supreme Perfect Enlightenment. They will turn the Wheel of the Law, beat the drum of the Law, blow the couch of the Law, shower the rain of the Law, and sit on the lion thrones of the Law amidst the great assembly of heavenly gods and humans.’”

LS 28:2.4

Conclusion

Chapter 28 of the Lotus Sutra, “Encouragement of Bodhisattva Universal Worthy,” is a rich source of teachings that are valuable for practitioners of Buddhism and anyone seeking to live a meaningful life. The chapter emphasizes the importance of vows and actions, the power of the Lotus Sutra, and the importance of living with integrity and compassion. Bodhisattva Universal Worthy symbolizes the power of vows and the importance of acting on them. By following his example, we can make a difference in the world and live a life that aligns with Buddhist principles. The teachings of the Lotus Sutra can help us overcome negative emotions and live meaningful life in today’s world.

In conclusion, the Lotus Sutra provides profound insights into how we can live our lives with integrity, compassion, and purpose. As we navigate the challenges of modern life, we can draw on the teachings of the Lotus Sutra to help us find meaning and inner peace.

Therefore, I urge everyone to study and reflect upon the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. By cultivating virtuous roots, entering the clusters of right concentration, and awakening the aspiration to save all living beings, we can make a positive difference in the world.

Let us also take inspiration from Bodhisattva Universal Worthy and vow to protect and propagate the Lotus Sutra. By doing so, we can ensure that its teachings continue to benefit beings for generations.

In these challenging times, finding sources of wisdom and guidance is more critical than ever. The Lotus Sutra offers us a timeless and powerful message of hope and possibility. Let us embrace its teachings and strive to live a life that aligns with its principles.