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

Source: The Great Teachings of The Lotus of the True Law, Chapter 14a–The Warrior of Virtue: A Guide to Bodhisattva Living

Main Themes: This excerpt explores the qualities and conduct expected of a Bodhisattva Mahāsattva. A Great Spiritual Seeker strives to spread the Dharma. This is especially important in challenging times. It highlights:

• Inner Strength and Detachment: A Bodhisattva prioritizes virtues like patience, humility, and non-aggression. They detach from rigid rules and see the true nature of reality without getting caught in intellectual debates.

“They must not cling to any fixed rules but see the true nature of things, without debating or analyzing them.”

• Discernment in Social Interactions: The Bodhisattva navigates social situations with wisdom. They are particularly careful in interactions with women. They are also cautious around those deeply attached to worldly pursuits. They prioritize sharing teachings but avoid unnecessary entanglement.

“They shouldn’t associate with butchers, actors, wrestlers, or places of entertainment and fun. They can share spiritual teachings with them occasionally. They should also avoid monks, nuns, or followers of lesser spiritual paths, without losing opportunities to preach freely.”

• Mindfulness and Avoiding Attachment: Emphasis is placed on mindful interactions, especially with women. The Bodhisattva avoids excessive familiarity and preaches without personal attachment to the teachings or the listener.

“He doesn’t enter a house alone to receive alms, unless he’s mindful of the Enlightened One (Tathāgata) in his thoughts. And when he does preach to women, it’s without passionate attachment to the teachings or to the woman herself.”

• Understanding Emptiness: The Bodhisattva perceives all phenomena as inherently empty, unchanging, and ultimately unattached to conceptual frameworks. This understanding forms the foundation of their conduct and view.

“They are like space, beyond ordinary explanation or expression, not born of complexity but simple and independent. They are seen as they are due to a misunderstanding of perception.”

Most Important Ideas:

• The Bodhisattva Path is demanding but grounded in ethical conduct and a deep understanding of reality.
• Detachment doesn’t equate to isolation, but rather skillful engagement in the world to share the Dharma.
• Mindfulness and awareness guide interactions, particularly in situations that could lead to attachment.
• The realization of emptiness is crucial to remaining steadfast on the path.

Overall, this excerpt provides a concise yet insightful look into the principles and practices that guide a Bodhisattva’s journey. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating both inner virtues and wise conduct in the world to effectively spread the Dharma.