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

The Great Teachings of The Lotus of the True Law, Chapter 7g–The Celestial Journey

Main Themes:

• Reverence for the Buddha: The text highlights the immense reverence and devotion shown towards the Buddha. He is referred to as “Lord Mahabhignagnanabhibhu” and “Tathagatha.” This is clear from the actions of the Brahma angels. They embark on a grand journey to pay tribute to him.
• Cosmic Significance of the Buddha’s Reappearance: The return of the Buddha after a long absence is a monumental event. It has far-reaching implications for the cosmos. His absence is linked to darkness, despair, and the reign of hell, while his reappearance brings light, refuge, and protection.
• Generosity and Compassion of the Buddha: The Brahma angels offer their magnificent aerial cars to the Buddha. They urge him to accept them “out of compassion”. This highlights the Buddha’s compassion as a central quality.

Important Ideas/Facts:

• Vastness of the Cosmos: The Brahma angels journey through “fifty hundred thousand myriads of spheres” in their quest. This emphasizes the vastness and complexity of the universe.
• Symbolic Offering: The offering of celestial vehicles, filled with flowers from across the universe, shows the outpouring of devotion. It also recognizes the Buddha’s exalted status.
• Cyclical Nature of Time: The passage mentions that “Eighty hundred complete eons, no Buddha in view.” This suggests a cyclical understanding of time. The Buddha’s appearance is a rare and precious event.

Key Quotes:

• Describing the Brahma angels’ journey: “They mounted their divine aerial cars. Each carried divine bags as large as Mount Sumeru. These bags were filled with celestial flowers. Journeying through the four quarters of the universe, they searched for the source of the extraordinary phenomenon.”
• The plea of the Brahma angels: “Accept, O Lord, these aerial cars out of compassion for us. Use, O Sugata, these cars out of compassion for us.”
• Impact of the Buddha’s absence: “Deprived of the highest. Hell’s reign was unbound. Celestial bodies waned, darkness all around. Eighty hundred complete eons, no light to be found. The world in despair, lost, unprofound.”
• Significance of the Buddha’s return: “But now, by our deeds, thou hast appeared. You are our eye and Refuge. You are the resting-place and protection from on high. You are the Father and kinsman. You are benign, bounteous, and nigh. As the King of the law, to thee our hearts do fly.”

Analysis:

The passage uses vivid imagery and poetic language. It conveys the grandeur of the occasion. It also illustrates the profound impact of the Buddha’s reappearance. Emphasizing his compassion and wisdom shows his importance. His role as a refuge highlights his central role. He provides guidance and solace in a vast and often challenging universe.