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

The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law, Chapter 7i–Divine Convocation: A Visualization of the Lotus Sutra’s Celestial Grandeur

Main Themes:

• Celestial Grandeur and Spiritual Unity: The passage paints a vivid picture of the divine assembly. They gathered to witness the Buddha’s enlightenment. It emphasizes the awe-inspiring beauty. The scene also displays spiritual harmony. This grandeur highlights the significance of the Buddha’s teachings.
• Devotion and Reverence: The Brahma angels show profound devotion to the Buddha. They offer him gifts, praise him with verses, and eagerly request him to share his wisdom. Their actions underscore the transformative power of the Buddha’s teachings.
• Universal Compassion and the Spread of Dharma: The Brahma angels made a request to the Buddha. They pleaded with him to “move forward the wheel of the law.” This plea underscores the importance of spreading the Buddha’s teachings for the benefit of all beings. This highlights the compassionate nature of Buddhism and its aim to alleviate suffering.

Important Ideas and Facts:

• The setting: The event takes place at “the destined location,” presumably the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment. This is further emphasized by the presence of the Tree of Enlightenment.
• Key figures: The passage focuses on the Lord Mahabhignagnanabhibhu (the Buddha) and the great Brahma angels. The Buddha’s name, meaning “Great-Knowledge-and-Dominance,” reinforces his enlightened state.
• Symbolic offerings: The Brahma angels offer divine flowers and their aerial cars to the Buddha, symbolizing their surrender and devotion.
• Poetry as a tool for praise and supplication: The Brahma angels sing verses to express their admiration. They admire the Buddha deeply. They earnestly desire for him to share his teachings.

Key Quotes:

• The scene was one of celestial grandeur and spiritual unity. The Brahma angels celebrated the Lord face to face with seasonable verses. They expressed their devotion and recognition of his enlightenment. They also longed for the wisdom he embodied. This quote encapsulates the atmosphere of the event and the motivation of the Brahma angels.
• “May the Lord move forward the wheel of the law! May the teachings flow forth to benefit all beings…” This plea underscores the Brahma angels’ selfless desire for the widespread dissemination of the Buddha’s teachings.
• “Preach the law, O Lord and Leader, let the wheel of truth take its course… Guide us on the path of virtue, lead us to enlightened birth.” These verses highlight the Brahma angels’ yearning for guidance. They also reflect their belief in the transformative power of the Buddha’s teachings.
• “And the Lord, monks, silently intimated his assent to the Brahma angels…” The Buddha’s silent agreement signifies his acceptance of the responsibility to share his wisdom and compassion with the world.

Overall Impression: The passage presents a powerful and moving scene. It emphasizes the magnificence of the Buddha’s enlightenment and the devotion it inspires. It also highlights the importance of spreading his teachings for the benefit of all beings. The use of vivid imagery, poetic language, and symbolic actions effectively conveys the profound spiritual significance of the event.