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

Source: The Great Teachings of The Lotus of the True Law, Chapter 7b–The Ascendancy of Tathagata Mahabhignagnanabhibhu: A Journey to Perfect Enlightenment, By William Altig

Main Themes:

• The arduous journey to enlightenment: The excerpt highlights the immense effort and dedication required to achieve supreme enlightenment. Mahabhignagnanabhibhu spent countless eons in meditation before attaining this state. This underscores the idea that enlightenment is not easily attained and requires unwavering commitment.
• The grandeur of enlightenment: The text paints a vivid picture of the moment Mahabhignagnabhibhu reaches enlightenment. The imagery of celestial flowers and divine music highlights this event’s majesty. The creation of a grand throne underscores its momentous nature.
• Compassion and liberation: The sixteen sons’ verses highlight the suffering of the world and Mahabhignagnanabhibhu’s role as a savior. His enlightenment brings hope and acts as a beacon, guiding others towards liberation from suffering.

Key Facts and Ideas:

• Mahabhignagnanabhibhu’s lifespan: The text states he lived for “fifty-four hundred thousand myriads of countless eons.” This emphasizes the vastness of his existence.
• Meditation and perseverance: The passage emphasizes Mahabhignagnanabhibhu’s unwavering commitment to meditation, sitting for ten intermediate kalpas before achieving enlightenment.
• Divine celebration: Upon his enlightenment, the gods shower him with flowers for ten intermediate kalpas. Celestial music plays for another ten kalpas. This showcases the importance of his achievement in the cosmic order.
• The role of a Tathagata: The verses highlight the Tathagata’s role as a “Great Physician.” He is a “refuge” for those suffering in the world. He brings hope and guides them towards freedom.

Important Quotes:

• “He sat at the foot of the tree of enlightenment, on the terrace, for not just one intermediate kalpa (a vast period of time) but for ten.” This emphasizes the length of time and dedication required for his journey.
• “From the beginning of this celestial shower, the rain of flowers poured without pause, lasting until the Lord’s complete Nirvana or transcendence.” This highlights the continuous celebration and reverence bestowed upon him.
• “O Great Physician, peerless, pure, Through endless eons, thy cure’s secure, Thy wish to save all souls from night, Fulfilled at last in radiant light.” These verses express the gratitude and hope people feel for Mahabhignagnanabhibhu’s enlightenment.

Overall, the excerpt portrays the awe-inspiring journey of Mahabhignagnanabhibhu to supreme enlightenment. It emphasizes the dedication required. The grandeur of the achievement is highlighted. A Tathagata compassionately guides others towards liberation from suffering.