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

Source: Excerpts from “The Great Teachings of The Lotus of the True Law,” Chapter 15b

Main Theme: This passage explores the awe-inspiring and seemingly impossible emergence of countless Bodhisattvas from the depths of the earth. It highlights the mystery and grandeur of their arrival, prompting questions about their origins and purpose.

Key Ideas and Facts:

• A Sudden, Immeasurable Gathering: The text describes a scene. An immense and previously unseen multitude of Bodhisattvas suddenly appears. This leaves those present in astonishment. The sheer number of these beings is emphasized repeatedly, using comparisons to the sands of the Ganges river and beyond.
• “Here countless thousands, myriads, Bodhisattvas vast, / Unseen before now; tell us, O Man unsurpassed!”
• Diverse Ranks and Followings: The Bodhisattvas are not a homogenous group. They appear in diverse ranks, with varying levels of enlightenment and leadership. Some lead vast retinues, while others stand alone. The text meticulously categorizes them based on the size of their following, further emphasizing the vastness of the gathering.
• “Glorious Bodhisattvas, each with a mighty train, / Equal to sixty Ganges, enlightenment they attain.”
• “Others still more numerous, their trains without end, / Like the sands of fifty, forty, thirty Ganges they transcend.”
• A Quest for Understanding: Maitreya, a prominent Bodhisattva, voices the shared bewilderment and curiosity of the assembly. He addresses the Buddha directly. He seeks answers to fundamental questions about the origin, teaching, and purpose of this newly revealed multitude.
• “Where do these noble heroes, these mighty ones arise? / Bodhisattvas of strength, where’s their home in the skies?”
• “Who taught them the law? Who destined their light? / Whose command do they follow? Whose wisdom’s their sight?”
• Unveiling the Hidden: The text suggests that these Bodhisattvas were previously concealed. They perhaps represent a hidden potential within the world. Alternatively, they could symbolize a deeper layer of reality that is now being revealed.
• “We’ve roamed in all directions, yet never saw these, / Bodhisattvas hidden, now revealed with ease.”
• Awe and Wonder: The passage evokes a sense of awe and wonder. It highlights the transformative power of witnessing such a grand spiritual spectacle. The reaction of the assembled Bodhisattvas underscores the profound impact of this event.
• Hundreds, thousands, ten thousands gaze. Bodhisattvas are curious, in wonder and amaze. They look up to the highest, the leader of men. They seek answers and wisdom again and again.

Significance: This passage dramatically illustrates the limitless potential for enlightenment. It also highlights the boundless nature of the Buddhist path. The sudden appearance of countless Bodhisattvas suggests the hidden depths of reality. It points to the potential for awakening that exists within all beings. It invites reflection on the nature of spiritual realization and the mysteries of the universe.