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

Awe of Maitreya:

A close-up of Maitreya’s face, with eyes widened in awe and wonder. The reflection of a divine, luminous spectacle can be seen in his eyes, capturing the essence of the Tathāgata’s power. The background subtly hints at the grand assembly in silhouette, emphasizing Maitreya’s profound moment of realization.

In the mind of the Bodhisattva Mahāsattva Maitreya, the future Buddha arose a profound sense of wonder and awe. He marveled at the magnificent display of the Tathāgata’s power and miracles—astonishing, prodigious, and beyond human comprehension. Even while the Lord was absorbed in deep meditation, such wondrous and inconceivable miracles unfolded before their eyes.

Intrigued by this extraordinary phenomenon, Maitreya felt an inner urge to seek understanding. He pondered, “What might be the cause behind the Lord manifesting such awe-inspiring wonders? How can such miraculous occurrences occur while the Buddha is immersed in meditation?”

Driven by curiosity and a sincere desire to comprehend the mysteries of the universe, Maitreya decided to seek an explanation. He contemplated, “Among us is Mañjuśrī, the prince royal—a Bodhisattva of great wisdom, who has served under the guidance of former Buddhas and accumulated immense goodness through worshipping countless enlightened beings. Mañjuśrī must have witnessed similar miraculous signs displayed by the previous Tathāgatas, those Arhats, and perfectly enlightened Buddhas. He must have had profound conversations on the Dharma during those ancient times. Therefore, I shall seek answers from Mañjuśrī, the prince royal, as he holds the key to unlocking these mysteries.”

Maitreya’s Contemplation:

Maitreya, seated in a meditative posture, surrounded by a radiant aura. Visions of past Buddhas and ethereal realms float around him, representing his introspection about the Lord’s miracles and his decision to seek answers from Mañjuśrī.

With a heart filled with reverence and excitement, Maitreya resolved to approach Mañjuśrī and inquire about the profound wonders they had just witnessed. In this sacred encounter between two great Bodhisattvas, the seeds of wisdom and enlightenment were destined to flourish, guiding them on a transformative journey of discovery and realization. The union of their minds would unravel the deepest truths of existence and illuminate the path toward ultimate awakening.

Approaching Mañjuśrī:

Maitreya, with a look of reverence and determination, approaches Mañjuśrī, who exudes wisdom and serenity. The background showcases the vast assembly, symbolizing the anticipation of the sacred encounter between the two great Bodhisattvas.

The entire assembly, consisting of monks, nuns, male and female lay devotees, along with numerous gods, Nagas, goblins, Gandharvas, demons, Garudas, Kinnaras, great serpents, men, and beings beyond human form, stood witness to the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Lord’s great miracle. They were filled with wonder, astonishment, and curiosity, as they beheld the magnificent display of the Tathāgata’s boundless power.

The Grand Assembly:

A panoramic view capturing the diverse assembly of monks, nuns, celestial beings, and other figures, all in awe of the Lord’s miracle. Their faces reflect wonder, astonishment, and a shared thirst for understanding, with the radiant spectacle of the Tathāgata’s power in the backdrop.

In the face of this extraordinary phenomenon, the hearts of all present were stirred with profound questions. They pondered in unison, “Why has the profound power of the Lord manifested this splendid and majestic miracle? What purpose does it serve? What profound truths lie behind this wondrous display?”

The assembly was captivated by this divine spectacle, and each present felt a deep longing to understand the significance and meaning of the great miracle. Amidst this collective thirst for knowledge, a profound thirst for enlightenment emerged as the seeds of wisdom were sown in the minds of all who beheld the majestic radiance of the Lord’s miracle.

Collective Inquiry:

Close-ups of various beings from the assembly, each with a thoughtful and introspective expression. Their collective gaze is directed towards a luminous source, symbolizing the Lord’s miracle, with question marks and radiant light rays representing their collective quest for enlightenment.

Their collective inquiry signified the beginning of a journey—an exploration of the limitless depths of the Dharma, seeking to unravel the mysteries of existence and the profound wisdom of the Tathāgata. It was a moment of profound awakening as the assembly stood united in their quest for understanding and realization, guided by the light of the Lord’s miraculous power.

At that very moment, the Bodhisattva Mahāsattva Maitreya perceived the thoughts arising in the minds of the entire assembly. With profound insight, he turned to Mañjuśrī, the royal prince. He inquired, “O Mañjuśrī, what might be the cause, the reason behind this marvelous, wondrous, and miraculous radiance emanating from the Lord? Behold how these eighteen thousand Buddha-lands appear so vibrant, adorned with incomparable beauty, guided by Tathāgata, and blessed by the presence of Tathāgata.”

Maitreya’s Profound Insight:

Maitreya, standing tall, with a radiant halo around his head, signifying his profound insight. Ethereal waves emanate from him, symbolizing his perception of the thoughts of the entire assembly. Mañjuśrī stands beside him, ready to impart wisdom.

With his profound wisdom and compassionate heart, Maitreya sought to understand the significance of the magnificent display that had captivated the minds and hearts of all present. His inquiry held the promise of unraveling the profound truths underlying the divine spectacle and shedding light on the nature of the Tathāgata’s enlightened presence.

Sacred Exchange:

Maitreya and Mañjuśrī, seated opposite each other, engaged in a deep conversation. Between them floats a luminous orb, representing the Tathāgata’s miracle, with visions of Buddha-lands and the Lord’s radiant presence within it.

As he turned to Mañjuśrī, the prince royal—known for his supreme wisdom and insight—Maitreya recognized him as a source of great knowledge, having witnessed similar miraculous occurrences during his association with former Buddhas. In this sacred exchange between two noble Bodhisattvas, the seeds of wisdom and enlightenment were set to bloom, illuminating the path to profound understanding and awakening. Together, they embarked on a journey of exploration, seeking to decipher the mysteries of this extraordinary event and gain insights into the boundless wisdom of the Tathāgata. 

Journey of Exploration:

Illustration of Maitreya and Mañjuśrī, journeying together on a pathway, with each step causing lotus flowers to light up. The ethereal atmosphere around them is filled with silhouettes of past Buddhas and spiritual realms, emphasizing their mutual quest for knowledge about the Tathāgata’s miracle.