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

This document summarizes the key themes and information presented in the excerpt from Chapter 6d of The Lotus Sutra. It focuses on Maha-Maudgalyayana’s path to becoming the Buddha Tamalapatrakandanagandha.

Main Themes:

• Reverence and Devotion: The chapter emphasizes the importance of honoring and learning from past Buddhas. Maha-Maudgalyayana’s journey begins by paying homage to thousands of Buddhas. This act demonstrates the significance of respect and dedication in the pursuit of enlightenment.
• The Path to Buddhahood: The text outlines the steps taken by Maha-Maudgalyayana on his path to becoming a Buddha. These steps include studying under enlightened beings, practicing virtues, and ultimately achieving enlightenment.
• The Impact of a Buddha: The chapter highlights the profound and lasting impact a Buddha has on the world. Tamalapatrakandanagandha’s teachings will endure for epochs, guiding countless beings towards enlightenment.

Important Ideas and Facts:

• Maha-Maudgalyayana’s Journey: He will initially pay homage to 28,000 Buddhas, followed by 200 billion more, demonstrating immense dedication.
• Construction of Stupas: He will erect magnificent stupas from precious materials. These stupas will symbolize the enduring legacy of the Buddhas. They will serve as objects of veneration.
• Tamalapatrakandanagandha: This is the name Maha-Maudgalyayana will take upon achieving Buddhahood, meaning “Fragrance of the Sandalwood Leaf.”
• Manobhirama and Ratipratipurna: These are the names of his Buddha realm and era, respectively. The names mean “Delighting the Mind” and “Full of Joy.” These names emphasize the blissful and serene nature of his realm.
• Lifespan and Teachings: Tamalapatrakandanagandha’s lifespan will be 24 intermediate epochs. His direct teachings will last for 40 epochs, with a further 40 epochs of influence through their preserved form.
• Disciples and Bodhisattvas: He will guide many disciples and Bodhisattvas, all striving for enlightenment. Five of his disciples will eventually achieve Buddhahood themselves.

Key Quotes:

• “He will become a Tathagata, an enlightened one known as ‘Tamalapatrakandanagandha,’ which translates to ‘Fragrance of the Sandalwood Leaf.’”
• His Buddha realm will be named ‘Manobhirama.’ This translates to ‘Delighting the Mind.’ His era will be known as ‘Ratipratipurna.’ This means ‘Full of Joy.’
• The lifespan of that Sugata will be twenty-four epochs. He will teach the Buddha rule to men and gods, free. He will declare with assiduity the law of the enlightened, key.

Conclusion:

This excerpt provides a glimpse into the arduous but ultimately rewarding path to Buddhahood. It highlights the importance of devotion, perseverance, and the enduring impact of a Buddha’s teachings. Maha-Maudgalyayana’s journey serves as an inspiration for all those who aspire to achieve enlightenment. It encourages them to spread its benefits to the world.