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

Main Themes:

• Future Buddhahood: The excerpt focuses on the Buddha assuring Yasodharā, his former wife, of her own future enlightenment. He specifically prophesizes that she will become a Buddha known as “The Banner Complete with a Hundred Thousand Rays.”
• Universal Teachings: The excerpt highlights the commitment of both Yasodharā and the nun Gautamī. They are dedicated to spreading the Dharma (spiritual truths) in the future. Their commitment extends even to other worlds. This emphasizes the universality and lasting power of the Buddha’s teachings.
• Female Enlightenment: The text explicitly shows multiple women. Yasodharā and Gautamī are among them. They achieve high levels of spiritual realization and ultimately reach Buddhahood. This counters any potential interpretations that enlightenment is solely for men.

Important Ideas/Facts:

• Yasodharā’s Disappointment: The text begins by noting Yasodharā’s initial disappointment that the Buddha hadn’t specifically mentioned her. This humanizes her and makes her eventual enlightenment even more meaningful.
• Specific Details of Yasodharā’s Future: The Buddha provides specific details about Yasodharā’s future Buddhahood. He mentions her name. He describes the world she will guide, Bhadra. He also talks about the vast number of beings she will help, ten thousand kotis.
• The Nuns’ Vow: Both Gautamī and Yasodharā are committed to spreading the teachings of the “Dharmaparyâya.” They lead large groups of nuns who will continue this mission in the future. This shows their dedication and understanding of the importance of sharing the Dharma.
• Praise for the Buddha: The nuns’ verse highlights the Buddha’s role as a guide. He is also seen as a trainer and a comfort-giver to all beings. This reflects the core principles of Buddhist teachings and the reverence held for the Buddha.

Quotes:

• Buddha’s Assurance: “Yasodharā, fear not. You will also become a Bodhisattva and a teacher of spiritual law… You will become a Buddha known as The Banner Complete with a Hundred Thousand Rays.”
• Nuns’ Vow: “We also, O Lord, will exert ourselves to divulge this Dharmaparyâya in the last days, though in other worlds.”
• Nuns’ Praise: “O Lord, our guide so true, Trainer, leader, master too, Of the world, gods and all below, Comfort’s giver in joy and woe…”

Significance:

This excerpt showcases the inclusivity of Buddhist teachings. It reveals that all beings have the potential to achieve enlightenment regardless of gender or past experiences. It highlights the importance of spreading the Dharma. The Buddha’s message has a lasting impact across time and even different worlds.