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

Mañjusrī answered, “In the depths of the sea, I taught only the Lotus Sutra of the True Law, nothing else.”

Peak of Wisdom said, “That teaching is profound, subtle, and hard to grasp; no other teaching compares to it. Can anyone truly understand this jewel of wisdom or attain ultimate enlightenment?”

Mañjusrī replied, “Yes, there is someone, a young girl, the daughter of the Ocean King, just eight years old. She’s incredibly intelligent, sharp, and prudent in her actions, words, and thoughts. She has fully embraced the teachings of enlightenment, mastered a thousand meditations, and understands the core of all spiritual truths. She’s steadfast in her pursuit of enlightenment, compassionate to others, rich in virtues, and radiates kindness and beauty. She is capable of attaining ultimate enlightenment.”

Peak of Wisdom said, “I’ve witnessed how the Buddha Sākyamuni, in his journey toward enlightenment, performed countless acts of goodness. Over countless eons, he never wavered in his relentless quest. There’s no place in the universe, not even as small as a mustard seed, where he didn’t give of himself for the sake of others. Only after all this did he attain enlightenment. How could I believe she could attain perfect knowledge in a single moment?”^⁠ At that exact moment, the daughter of the Ocean Sea King, Sāgara, appeared before them. With great reverence, she saluted the feet of the Lord, and then she positioned herself at a respectful distance. She then prepared to speak, poised to share her wisdom through verses that would soon resonate with those present.

^⁠A body ethereal, spotless, and bright,
Unfathomable light adorned with a sight,
The thirty-two signs, a celestial blend,
Pervading all space, no beginning or end.

With secondary marks, he’s praised far and wide,
Accessible to all, no secrets to hide,
Like an open marketplace, welcoming all,
In his presence, no being shall stumble or fall.

Enlightenment’s mine, as I so desired,
The Tathāgata’s witness, in awe, inspired,
I will unfold the law, a liberating feast,
That frees from suffering, brings inner peace.^⁠

Then the Venerable Sariputta said to that daughter of Sāgara, the Nāga-King: “Thou hast conceived the idea of enlightenment, young lady of good family, without sliding back, and art gifted with immense wisdom, but supreme, perfect enlightenment is not easily won. It may happen, sister, that a woman displays unflagging energy, performs good works for many thousands of eons, and fulfills the six perfect virtues (Pāramitās), but as yet there is no example of her having reached Buddhaship, and that because a woman cannot occupy the five ranks,^⁠ which is the rank of Brahma^⁠; the rank of Indra^⁠; the rank of a chief guardian of the four quarters^⁠; the rank of Chakravartin^⁠; the rank of a Bodhisattva incapable of sliding back^⁠.”

The daughter of Sāgara, the Ocean King, of the sea serpents, held a gem of such extraordinary value that it outweighed the entire universe. She offered this precious jewel to the Lord, who accepted it graciously.

Then she turned to the Bodhisattva Peak of Wisdom and the Venerable Sariputta, asking, “Did the Lord accept the gem I offered him without hesitation?”

Sariputta replied, “As soon as you offered it, the Lord accepted it with gratitude.”

The daughter of Sāgara responded, “If I possessed magical powers, dear Sariputta, I would have already achieved supreme and perfect enlightenment. In that case, no one would receive this gem.”

The entire world and the Venerable Sariputta witnessed a stunning transformation instantly. The daughter of Sāgara, the Ocean King, of the sea serpents, transcended her female form, taking on a male appearance and revealing herself as a Bodhisattva. She journeyed to the South, to a world named Spotless, and sat beneath a tree made of seven precious substances.

There, she manifested enlightenment and began preaching the law. Her radiance, marked by thirty-two special characteristics, filled every direction. Everyone in our world could see her receiving homage from gods, mystical beings, humans, and non-humans alike. Those who heard her teachings were touched by ultimate wisdom and forever committed to the path of enlightenment.

The Spotless world and our own world quaked in six different ways, resonating with the profound transformation. Three thousand listeners in Lord Sākyamuni’s congregation embraced the eternal law, while three hundred thousand beings received predictions of their future enlightenment.

In the wake of such extraordinary events, the Bodhisattva Wisdom Peak and the Venerable Sariputta were struck silent.