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

Source: “Chapter 14–The Virtuous Path of the Great Spiritual Seeker – Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra” by William Altig (December 31, 2023)

Main Theme: This chapter outlines the essential qualities and actions of a true Bodhisattva Mahāsattva. These qualities are especially important in a time when the genuine teachings of the Buddha are declining.

Key Ideas and Facts:

• Virtuous Conduct: A Bodhisattva Mahāsattva is characterized by a lack of envy, dishonesty, and deceit. They avoid speaking ill of others on the spiritual path. They refrain from highlighting faults or criticizing the efforts of fellow practitioners. They maintain a compassionate attitude towards all beings.
• Respect for Lineage: True Bodhisattvas revere all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, seeing them as fathers and masters respectively. They show goodwill and respect to spiritual seekers across all traditions.
• Impartial Preaching: When sharing the Dharma, a Bodhisattva acts fairly. They focus impartially on the teachings. They do so without favoring any particular aspect. Their understanding of the spiritual path is deep and comprehensive, allowing for balanced and unbiased instruction.
• Flourishing Dharma: The chapter emphasizes that such virtuous conduct will lead to a comfortable life for the Bodhisattva. They will find support in spiritual communities, encountering attentive listeners who will uphold, study, and propagate the teachings.

Important Quotes:

• On virtuous conduct: “The one who upholds this Sūtra does not speak ill of other spiritual seekers. They are on the Bodhisattva path. He or she does not defame or belittle them.”
• On respect for lineage: “They regard all Tathāgatas with reverence. It’s as if they were their fathers. They see all Bodhisattvas as if they were their masters.”
• On impartial preaching: “When they preach, they do so with fairness and impartiality. They focus solely on the teachings. They show no favoritism to any particular aspect.”

Conclusion:

This chapter serves as a guide for those aspiring to be true Bodhisattvas. It emphasizes the importance of virtuous conduct, respect for the lineage, and impartial sharing of the teachings. By embodying these qualities, a Bodhisattva can contribute to the flourishing of the Dharma even in challenging times.