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

Source: Chapter 7e–Journey of the Brahma Angels: Preparing for the Cosmic Voyage.

Main Themes:

• Reverence and devotion to the Buddha: This passage vividly portrays the immense respect the Brahma angels have. They adore the Lord Mahabhignagnanabhibhu deeply. It highlights the central role of devotion in Buddhist practice.
• The Buddha’s universal appeal: The assembly surrounding the Buddha represents a vast spectrum of beings. This emphasizes the universality of his teachings. His teachings appeal across different realms of existence.
• Generosity and offering: The Brahma angels offer celestial flowers and their prized aerial vehicles. This gesture signifies the importance of generosity and selfless giving in Buddhism. It is particularly important in relation to supporting the spread of the Dharma.

Key Facts and Ideas:

• Vastness of the cosmos: The Brahma angels’ journey originates from vast realms. These realms encompass “fifty hundred thousand myriads of spheres.” This illustrates the vastness and interconnectedness of the Buddhist cosmos.
• The Buddha’s enlightenment: The passage highlights the significance of the Buddha’s enlightenment. The Brahma angels journey specifically to witness this momentous event. They gather to celebrate it.
• Symbolism of offerings: The flowers shower down like Mount Sumeru itself. They symbolize the abundance of blessings and merits generated through offering to the Buddha. The aerial vehicles represent the offering of oneself and one’s resources in service to the Dharma.

Important Quotes:

• “With awe and reverence, the Brahma angels approached the Lord, bowing at his feet. They circled him many hundred thousand times. They moved from left to right. They showered him and the tree of enlightenment with flowers from their enormous bags.” This quote powerfully depicts the angels’ profound reverence for the Buddha.
• “They offered their celestial vehicles to the Lord. They implored, ‘Accept, O Lord, these aerial cars out of compassion for us. Use, O Sugata, these cars out of compassion for us.’” This highlights their selfless generosity and desire to support the Buddha’s teachings.
• A wondrous Jina, matchless and bright, shines with mercy and grace. A beacon of light, born protector, ruler, and master supreme. To-day all quarters glow with a heavenly gleam. This verse, part of the Brahma angels’ celebration, beautifully encapsulates the qualities and significance of the Buddha.

Conclusion:

This passage offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Buddhist worldview. It highlights the importance of devotion, generosity, and the Buddha’s teachings in attaining enlightenment. The Brahma angels’ journey and offerings serve as a powerful reminder of the Buddha’s boundless compassion. They also embody the wisdom of the Buddha. His Dharma holds transformative potential for all beings.