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

Then, the enlightened being known as Faltering-Voice responded to the great Buddha, The-One-with-Knowledge-of-the-Blossoming-Lotus-Garland-Resembling-a-Vine-of-Stars-Colored-with-Passion, saying: “I will go, O Great One, to that Saha-world, guided by your wisdom, your strength, your might, your foresight.”

And without leaving his place, Faltering-Voice entered into a deep meditation. Suddenly, before the eyes of the Tathagata on the sacred Gridhrakuta Mountains in the world of Saha, there appeared eighty-four hundred thousand myriads of splendid lotuses. These lotuses were extraordinary, with golden stalks, silver leaves, and blossoms the color of rosy lotuses and Butea Frondosa.⁠

As this stunning array of lotuses appeared, Manjusri, a prince among enlightened beings, asked Lord Buddha Sakyamuni: “O Great One, who has created these magnificent lotuses with golden stalks, silver leaves, and blossoms as vibrant as rosy lotuses and Butea Frondosa? What is the cause of this extraordinary sight?”

The Lord replied to Manjusri: “These lotuses are the work of Faltering-Voice, an enlightened being, who is arriving here from the east with many followers. They come from a land adorned with the rays of the universal Buddha, where The-One-with-Knowledge-of-the-Blossoming-Lotus-Garland-Resembling-a-Vine-of-Stars-Colored-with-Passion resides. They are here to pay homage and to learn from the teachings of the Lotus of the True Law.”

Manjusri asked the Lord: “What great virtues have this young man cultivated to achieve such distinction? What meditation does he practice? Teach us, O Great One, so that we may follow his path. Let us see this enlightened being, his appearance, character, and manner. May you, Lord, guide him to this world, that we may learn from him.”

Then, Lord Buddha Sakyamuni spoke to the Lord Treasure Tower, a being beyond earthly existence, and said: “Provide a sign, O Lord, so that the Bodhisattva Faltering-Voice will know to come to our world.”

Instantly, Lord Treasure Tower provided a sign and said: “Come, young seeker of truth, to this world of existence. Manjusri, the prince of wisdom, awaits your arrival.”

Faltering-Voice paid homage to his Lord, The-One-with-Knowledge-of-the-Blossoming-Lotus-Garland, and after circling him three times, vanished from his realm. He arrived here with his followers, amidst a flurry of heavenly flowers and celestial music. His eyes resembled blue lotuses, his body was golden, and he glowed with spiritual grace.

Riding a tower of precious gems, he floated through the sky, accompanied by a host of enlightened beings. Upon reaching the sacred mountain, he descended from his tower, his body radiating a divine aura.

He approached the Lord with a necklace of pearls and bowed to his feet. He then circled him seven times and offered the necklace as a sign of reverence.

He spoke to the Lord: “The-One-with-Knowledge-of-the-Blossoming-Lotus-Garland sends greetings and inquiries about your well-being. Are your followers decent and wise? Are they respectful to their parents, not driven by jealousy or desire? Are they able to resist temptation?”

“He also inquires about the Lord Treasure Tower, who has come to hear the teachings, sitting within a sanctuary made of precious gems. Is he well? Will he stay long? May we see the relics of Lord Treasure Tower?”

Then, Lord Buddha Sakyamuni spoke to the Lord Treasure Tower, a being beyond earthly existence, and said: “Lord, the Bodhisattva named Faltering-Voice wishes to see you, Lord Treasure Tower, even though you are beyond this mortal realm.”

The Lord Treasure Tower responded to Bodhisattva Faltering-Voice and said: “Well done, seeker of truth, for coming here to see Lord Buddha Sakyamuni, to hear these teachings of the Lotus of the True Law, and to meet Manjusri, the prince of wisdom.”

The Bodhisattva⁠, named Padmasrî, or “Lotus Beauty,” asked the Lord Buddha, “What good deeds have the Bodhisattva known as Faltering-Voice done in the past, and under which previous Buddhas did he learn?”

The Lord Buddha Sakyamuni replied, “Long ago, young man, a Buddha named Meghadundubhisvararâga⁠, or ‘King of the Drum-Sound of the Clouds,’ lived in a world called ‘Sight of All Buddhas.’ Faltering-Voice honored this Buddha for twelve thousand years, offering him music and precious gifts. It was during this time that Faltering-Voice attained his beautiful qualities. You may think this was another being, but the same Faltering-Voice did all this. He has seen many Buddhas and planted seeds of goodness under them.”

The Lord then described the various forms Faltering-Voice assumed to teach the Lotus of the True Law, including gods, sovereigns, merchants, villagers, and even supernatural beings. He guided and supported all beings, even those in unfortunate states. He would change his form to reach each individual, never losing his wisdom or magic.

Padmasrî asked if he could see Faltering-Voice’s appearance, and the Lord said, “He shows himself in many forms, such as Brahma, Indra, Shiva⁠, and even a demon or a serpent. He’s preached as a man, a woman, a monk, a nun, a boy, or a girl. His wisdom and magic power never decrease, no matter the form he takes. He teaches in worlds as numerous as the sands of the river Ganges, reaching those who need different forms. He even shows relics or the appearance of extinction to those who need such guidance. Such is the powerful knowledge of Faltering-Voice.”

The Bodhisattva named Padmasrî, or “Lotus Beauty,” continued to inquire, “The Bodhisattva called Faltering-Voice has indeed done good deeds, Lord. What form of meditation has he used to guide and educate so many beings with unshakable determination?”

The Lord Buddha Sakyamuni replied, “Young man, it is a meditation called Sarvarûpasandarsana⁠-a meditation or realization of seeing all forms “as they are.” It embodies a profound understanding of this philosophy, emphasizing the perception of reality without distortion or personal bias. This unclouded awareness allows the practitioner to engage with the world without attachment or aversion, and it is particularly significant in the context of our teachings. Faltering-Voice has profoundly improved the lives of countless beings.”