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

Akshayamati stood before the Lord, whose name translates to Inexhaustible Awareness^⁠. His upper robe draped over one shoulder, his hands joined in adoration, he posed a question filled with curiosity: “O Lord, why does this particular name know the great and compassionate Bodhisattva Mahasattva Avalokitesvara?”

The Lord responded with a tone of profound wisdom: “Inexhaustible Awareness, consider the multitudes who suffer from life’s various agonies and predicaments. When they hear the name of Avalokitesvara^⁠, they find solace and liberation from their hardships. Imagine those trapped within a raging fire, the flames reaching skyward. By invoking Avalokitesvara, they are protected, and the flames subside.”

He continued, “Visualize those swept away by a river’s relentless current. If they call out to Avalokitesvara, the waters part, allowing them to cross safely. Envision a ship, glimmering with bullion, gold, gems, lapis lazuli, and other precious treasures, caught in a sudden, furious storm and cast upon the menacing Island of Giantesses^⁠. Even if one desperate soul aboard that ship pleads for Avalokitesvara’s help, all will escape unharmed. This, dear Akshayamati, is why the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Avalokitesvara bears this name.”

The Lord continued his discourse, “Consider, if you will, a man condemned to execution. Should he invoke Avalokitesvara in his darkest hour, the executioner’s swords shall break apart, freeing him from certain death. If the entire Three Thousand Worlds were filled with malicious beings intent on evil, mentioning Avalokitesvara’s name would render their wicked plans powerless, blinding them to their nefarious designs.

“Imagine one bound in chains of wood or iron, whether justly or unjustly. By calling upon Avalokitesvara, those restraints would crumble, liberation occurring instantly. This, dear friend, is the extraordinary power of Avalokitesvara.

“Picture a caravan, rich with jewels, crossing a dangerous land teeming with robbers and enemies, swords glinting in the sun. Sensing the impending threat, the merchant leader calms his fearful companions, urging them to invoke Avalokitesvara, the giver of safety. With a chorus of voices, they chant their adoration, and in that sacred moment, they are released from all peril.

“Such is Avalokitesvara’s might that those consumed by desire, hatred, or confusion find freedom from these afflictions through reverence. A woman wishing for a son will be blessed with a child of beauty and grace, loved by all. Similarly, a woman longing for a daughter will fulfill her heart’s desire for a lovely girl, cherished and beloved, blessed with virtues.

“Such, dear friend, is the unfathomable power and compassion of the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Avalokitesvara.”

The Lord continued to impress upon his audience the extraordinary potency of honoring Avalokitesvara, declaring, “Those who pay homage to Avalokitesvara will find an unending treasure of blessings and virtue. Let me draw a comparison for you, my dear friends.

“Imagine one person adoring Avalokitesvara, holding his name in their heart with love and reverence. Now picture another, paying homage to a multitude of Buddhas, as numerous as sixty-two times the sands of the great river, honoring them throughout their lives with gifts of clothing, nourishment, and care. Can you grasp the tremendous good flowing from such devotion, young seekers?”

Inexhaustible Awareness, moved by the profundity of the Lord’s words, replied, “Indeed, O Lord, the merit that would accrue from such immense devotion is beyond measure, vast beyond comprehension.”

The Lord revealed a profound truth, “Now understand this: The merit gained by the one adoring so many Buddhas is equal to that gained by the one who simply adores Avalokitesvara and holds his name dear. Whether adoring countless Buddhas or just Avalokitesvara, the spiritual reward is the same: a profound and enduring merit that can withstand the ravages of time, lasting through endless ages. The incomprehensible power flows from cherishing the name of Avalokitesvara.”

Once more, the wise Inexhaustible Awareness asked the Lord, “How does Avalokitesvara make his presence known in our world, and how does he spread his teachings? What forms does he take to share his wisdom?”

The Lord replied, “Avalokitesvara’s ability to connect with people is as varied as the people themselves. In some places, he appears as a Buddha; in others, as a compassionate teacher or Bodhisattva. He can appear as a wise sage or a disciple, even taking on the forms of divine beings like Brahma, Indra, or Gandharva.

“To reach those guided by lesser beings, he might appear as a goblin or a powerful deity like Isvara or Mahesvara. To rulers and emperors, he takes the form of a Chakravartin^⁠, a Wheel Turning Monarch. He even becomes figures like Kubera—the lord of wealth, or Senapati—a commander-in-chief, to teach those in positions of power.

“Whether adopting the shape of a revered Brahman or Guru^⁠ or taking the powerful form of Vajrapani^⁠, Avalokitesvara can become whoever is needed to guide and convert those seeking enlightenment.

“His abilities are limitless, his wisdom boundless. This is why, my friend, Avalokitesvara is so honored. He brings safety to those in fear and comfort to the anxious. In our world, he is known as Abhayandada, the bestower of fearlessness.”

Inexhaustible Awareness^⁠, full of respect, turned to the Lord and asked, “Should we present a heartfelt gift, a symbolic decoration, to Avalokitesvara as an expression of our devotion?”

The Lord answered, “Do so if you think it’s the right time.”

Filled with devotion, Inexhaustible Awareness took a pearl necklace from around his neck, valued at a hundred thousand gold pieces. He offered it to Avalokitesvara, saying, “Accept this from me, good man, as a symbol of my faith.”

Avalokitesvara, however, humbly refused.

Inexhaustible Awareness urged him, “Please, out of compassion for us, accept this pearl necklace.”

Moved by the plea, Avalokitesvara finally accepted the gift, not for his sake but for Akshayamati, the gathered assembly, and all human beings that inhabited the world. His acceptance was an act of love and empathy, reflecting his boundless compassion.

He then did something remarkable with the necklace. He divided it into two equal parts. One half he offered to Lord Sakyamuni^⁠, and the other to the precious Stupa of Lord Many Treasures^⁠, honoring the legacy of one who had reached complete enlightenment and passed on.

With such a power of transformation, my young friend, the noble and compassionate Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is actively present and engaged in our world, the Saha-world^⁠.