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

At that very moment, the Sage of the Shakyans, the Tathagata, the Fully Enlightened One, the Knower of the World, the Unsurpassed Leader of Men to be Tamed, the Teacher of Gods and Humans, emitted a flash of light from the circle of hair between his eyebrows, illuminating hundreds of thousands of myriad Buddha-lands, as numerous as the sands of eighteen Ganges rivers. Beyond these lands lies the world called Adorned-with-the-Rays-of-Vairokana⁠, where the Tathagata named The-One-with-Knowledge-of-the-Blossoming-Lotus-Garland-Resembling-a-Vine-of-Stars-Colored-with-Passion dwells. Surrounded by a large assembly of Bodhisattvas, he preached the law.

In this radiant world, another Buddha by the name of The-One-with-Knowledge-of-the-Blossoming-Lotus-Garland-Resembling-a-Vine-of-Stars-Colored-with-Passion⁠ resided. He was attended by a grand assembly of spiritual beings called Bodhisattvas, and there, he preached the profound teachings of the law.

At that very moment, the flash of light emitted from the circle of hair between the eyebrows of the Sage of the Sakyans, the Tathagata, filled the world Adorned-with-the-Rays-of-Vairokana⁠ with brilliant luster. In that radiant realm resided a Bodhisattva Mahasattva called Faltering-Voice⁠, one who had cultivated roots of goodness, seen similar luminous flashes from many Tathagatas, and acquired many profound Samadhis. These included the Samadhi Bracelet-at-the-Upper-End-of-the-Banner-Staff, Lotus-of-the-True-Law, Given-by-Vimala[?], Sport-of-the-Moon-God, Unlimited, Seal-of-Science, Moonlight, Skill-in-All-Sounds, Collection-of-All-Piety, Favorably-Disposed-Lady, Sport-of-Magic, Torch-of-Knowledge, King-of-Expansions, Spotless-Luster, Of-Spotless-Interior-Part, Belonging-to-the-Mystic-Rite⁠, and Sun-Turn. In total, he had acquired many hundreds of thousands of myriads of Samadhis equal to the sands of the Ganges River.

The flash of light came down upon that Bodhisattva Mahasattva Faltering-Voice⁠. Then, Bodhisattva Mahasattva  Faltering-Voice rose from his seat, draped his upper robe over one shoulder, placed his right knee on the ground, and stretched his joined hands towards the Lord Buddha. He spoke to the Tathagata The-One-with-Knowledge-of-the-Blossoming-Lotus-Garland-Resembling-a-Vine-of-Stars-Colored-with-Passion⁠8:

“O Lord, I would resort to the Saha-world to see, salute, and wait upon the Lord of the Sakyans, the Tathagata, and others; to see and salute Manjusri, the prince royal; to see the Bodhisattvas Medicine King, Generous Hero⁠, Master-of-the-Blossoming-Star’s-Passionate-Colors⁠, Mind-of-Superior-Practice⁠, King-of-Adornment⁠, Medicine-Superior⁠.”

Then the Lord known as The-One-with-Knowledge-of-the-Blossoming-Lotus-Garland-Resembling-a-Vine-of-Stars-Colored-with-Passion, addressed the Bodhisattva named Faltering-Voice⁠:

“Young seeker of truth, as you journey to the Saha-world⁠, do not allow yourself to be deceived by its appearance. Though that world may seem imperfect, filled with earthly terrain, rugged mountains, and narrow gutters, remember, appearances can be misleading.

The Lord Sakyamuni⁠ you seek may seem modest, just as the Great Bodhisattvas⁠ appear small in that realm. Yet, do not forget that you stand forty-two hundred thousand yojanas tall, while I tower sixty-eight hundred thousand yojanas in height.Though you are adorned with beauty and grace, reflecting the radiant glow of enlightenment, do not let these superficial traits lead you to misjudge the Saha world, the Tathagata⁠, or the Bodhisattvas. Remember always to see beyond the surface, for true wisdom lies in recognizing the underlying essence, not the outward form.”