Source: The Great Teachings of The Lotus of the True Law, Chapter 7a–Interconnected Realms, By William Altig
Main Theme: This excerpt emphasizes the vastness of time and the interconnectedness of realms across seemingly inconceivable eons. It highlights the boundless memory and profound knowledge possessed by enlightened beings, particularly the Buddha (Tathagatha).
Key Ideas & Facts:
- Unfathomable Timescale: The text introduces Mahabhignagnanabhibhu (Great-Knowledge-and-Dominance), an enlightened being who existed countless eons ago. A powerful analogy is used to convey the sheer scale of this time:
“Imagine a person turning the entire Earth into dust and taking just one tiny atom from it. If he then walked a thousand worlds in the east to deposit that single atom and repeated this process, depositing one atom at a time, the number of worlds he’d pass through would still not equal the time since Mahabhignagnanabhibhu (Great-Knowledge-and-Dominance) existed.”
- Boundless Memory of the Enlightened: The text states that such timescales defy comprehension for ordinary beings. However, an enlightened being can recall these distant epochs with perfect clarity. This underscores the profound wisdom and expansive consciousness attained through enlightenment:
“Yet, the knowledge and sight of an enlightened being are so profound that I remember that time as if it were yesterday.”
- Interconnected Realms: The existence of Mahabhignagnanabhibhu in the world of Sambhava (Origin) during the Maharupa (Great Form) era shows interconnected realms. These realms form a tapestry across time and space. This hints at the broader cosmological framework within Buddhist teachings.
- Poetic Verses: The excerpt includes verses attributed to the Lord (Buddha) that reinforce the key ideas. The verses employ vivid imagery and metaphors to express the vastness of time, the fleeting nature of worlds, and the enduring memory of the enlightened one:
“The dust of worlds, to atoms turned, the eons they express,
A past so vast, so inconceivable, none could ever guess.”
Significance: This passage invites contemplation on the vastness of existence and the limitations of our ordinary perception. It highlights the transformative potential of enlightenment, emphasizing its capacity to transcend temporal boundaries and access profound knowledge and wisdom. The poetic language adds a layer of beauty and emotional resonance, making the concepts more accessible and impactful.
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Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra 
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