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

Source: Excerpt from “The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law,” Chapter 19f – Visualizing the Depth of Wisdom

Overview: This chapter excerpt focuses on the extraordinary intellectual and spiritual capabilities of a Bodhisattva Mahasattva (a great Bodhisattva) who diligently preserves, teaches, and studies the “Sacred Teaching” (Dharmapāryaya) after the passing of a Tathagata (Enlightened One). It emphasizes the profound wisdom, understanding, and communication skills this individual will possess as a result of their dedication. This section also highlights the benefits of engaging with the Sutra.

Main Themes and Ideas:

• Exceptional Intellect and Comprehension: The central theme is the remarkable intellectual capacity developed by a dedicated practitioner of the Dharma. This individual is described as possessing “a mind endowed with twelve hundred fine qualities of intellect,” enabling them to grasp profound meaning even from a single verse.

• Quote: “Satatasamitabhiyukta, the Bodhisattva Mahasattva…will possess a mind endowed with twelve hundred fine qualities of intellect. With this perfect mental faculty, he will grasp its various meanings even if he hears a single verse.”

• Depth of Understanding and Explication: The Bodhisattva is not only capable of understanding the teachings but also of expounding them in great depth. They can find material for sermons lasting for months or even a year from a single verse, demonstrating a profound level of insight.

• Quote: “Fully comprehending the verse, he will find the content to preach for a month, four months, or even a whole year.”

• Integration of Spiritual and Mundane Wisdom: The individual is capable of harmonizing spiritual principles with everyday wisdom and advice, making the teachings relevant and accessible to a wider audience.

• Quote: “He will skillfully reconcile everyday life’s famous sayings and advice with the principles of the spiritual law.”

• Universal Understanding and Empathy: The Bodhisattva possesses an understanding of the thoughts, actions, and intentions of all beings in the six realms of existence, suggesting a deep empathy and connection to all of creation.

• Quote: “He will understand the thoughts, actions, and movements of all beings in the universe caught in the cycle of existence across all six realms of being.”

• Alignment with Truth and Previous Teachings: The teachings delivered by this individual are not based on personal opinion, but are in alignment with the truth and with the teachings of past Buddhas, indicating a deep grounding in authentic spiritual tradition.

• Quote: “Everything he preaches, reflecting deeply on the interpretation of the law, will align with the truth; he will speak the words that all Tathagatas have spoken…”

• Benefits of Engaging with the Sutra: The text emphasizes the transformative power of engaging with the sutra, suggesting that it’s a path to wisdom and understanding.

• Quote: “The advantages of this Sutra, vast and wide, In his heart and mind, they forever reside, Understanding all, with wisdom’s embrace, These are the gifts of this Sutra’s grace.”

• Clarity and Unwavering Dedication: The Bodhisattva’s mind is described as “clear and bright,” and their commitment to the Dharma is unwavering, showing no hesitation in their pursuit of truth. * Quote: “Reflecting supreme law, constant dilation, Never hesitating, pure contemplation, Keeping this Sutra, advantages abound, In wisdom’s depth, truth is found.”
• Pre-Enlightenment Wisdom: The text clarifies that although the Bodhisattva’s intellect is incredibly refined, they have not yet achieved full enlightenment (Arya). Their wisdom is a precursor to this state.

• Quote: “Such is his mental organ, clear and bright, Not yet emancipated, but filled with light, Preceding knowledge, wisdom’s dawn, On the path to truth, he’s never withdrawn.”

• Skillful Interpretation and Communication: The Bodhisattva’s communication skills are described as masterful; they preach with skill and understanding, making complex ideas accessible to various audiences.

• Quote: “Preaching to creatures, skillful in interpretation, Kotis of wisdom, a divine celebration.”

Key Takeaways:

• This passage presents an ideal of a dedicated practitioner who, through devotion to the Dharma, develops exceptional intellectual and spiritual capabilities.
• The excerpt highlights the power of studying, preserving, and teaching sacred texts for the development of wisdom and understanding.
• It suggests that the path to enlightenment involves not only personal transformation but also compassionate service to others through the clear and accessible sharing of wisdom.

Chapter 19–Visualizing the Depth of Wisdom