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

Bodhisattva Bhaishajya Rāja^⁠ stood up, draped his robe over one shoulder, knelt on one knee, and with clasped hands, asked the Lord^⁠: “How much spiritual merit will a person gain, whether a young man or woman, who either memorizes or keeps a written copy of the Lotus Sutra?”

The Lord responded: “Imagine, Bhaishajya Rāja, if a young man or woman were to honor, respect, and worship a countless number of Buddhas—let’s say as many Buddhas as there are grains of sand in eighty Ganges rivers. Do you think they would gain a lot of spiritual merit?”

“Yes, Lord. Absolutely,” replied Bhaishajya Rāja.

“Well,” the Lord said, “I tell you this: even if someone, man or woman, were to study, understand, and even apply just one verse from the Lotus Sutra, they would gain far more spiritual merit than the person who worshipped countless Buddhas.”

Then Bodhisattva Bhaishajya Rāja spoke again to the Lord: “For those young men and women who keep the Lotus Sutra in their memory or in written form, we offer protective spells for their safeguard and well-being. These spells include:

In words of power, we offer thee^⁠,
“Anye manye, mane mamane,”
From “kitte karite” to “samitāvi,”
May these sounds grant you sanctuary.

“Sānte, mukte, and muktatame,”
To “same avishame, samasame,”
Let these chants be your defensive frame,
A shield against harm, in every game.

From “gaye” to “kshaye,” let your fears erase,
With “akshine, sānte sanī,” find your sacred space.
Through “dhārani ālokabhāshe,” see the light,
“Pratyavekshani, nidhini,” in your darkest night.

“Abhyantaravisishte, utkule mutkule,” be free,
“Asade, parade,” from all adversity.
“Sukānkshī, asamasame,” find your peace,
“Buddhavilokite, dharmaparikshite,” let worries cease.

In “sanghanirghoshani, nirghoshanī,” find your voice,
“Bhayābhayasodhanī,” make courage your choice.
From “mantre mantrākshayate” to “rutakausalye,”
In every verse, find your spiritual decree.

“Akshaye, akshavanataāya,” be unbreakable,
“Vakule valoda,” in spirit, unshakable.
“Amanyatāya,” in truth, stand tall,
May these sacred words protect you, one and all.

These magical words have been passed down by numerous Buddhas, as many as the grains of sand in sixty-two Ganges rivers. Anyone who tries to harm those who uphold this Sutra would be offending all these Buddhas.”

The Lord gave his nod of approval to Bodhisattva Bhaishajya Rāja, saying, “Well done, Bhaishajya Rāja. Your protective spells, spoken out of compassion, serve the greater good of all beings. They ensure their safety, defense, and protection.”