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

I. Overview

This excerpt from “The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law” focuses on the transformative power of the Lotus Sutra (Dharmaparyaya), particularly through the story of the Bodhisattva Sadaparibhuta (Never Disparaging) and its implications for the path to enlightenment. The text emphasizes the importance of respecting all beings, the consequences of disparaging the teachings, and the profound effect of upholding and propagating the Lotus Sutra.

II. Key Themes and Concepts

• The Power of the Lotus Sutra (Dharmaparyaya): The text repeatedly emphasizes the profound impact of the Lotus Sutra. It is presented as the key to achieving enlightenment and is associated with specific perfections of the senses and mind.

• Quote: “…those that keep, read, comprehend, teach, and amply expound it to others shall experience happy results… they shall attain such a perfection of the eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind as described.”

• Respect for All Beings (Non-Disparagement): The core message revolves around the principle of not disparaging anyone, as all beings have the potential to become Tathagatas (Buddhas). The Bodhisattva Sadaparibhuta embodies this, repeatedly declaring: “I do not despise you. You are to become Tathagatas.”
• Consequences of Disrespect: The text highlights the severe consequences of rejecting or insulting those who uphold the Lotus Sutra, including monks, nuns, and lay devotees.

• Quote: “…he who rejects such a Dharmaparyaya as this, who abuses monks, nuns, lay devotees male or female, keeping this Sutra, insults them, treats them with false and harsh words, shall experience dire results, to such an extent as is impossible to express in words.”

• The Bodhisattva Ideal: Selfless Compassion: Sadaparibhuta exemplifies the Bodhisattva ideal by persevering despite abuse and ultimately guiding his detractors to enlightenment. He endures being called “Never Disparaging” as a taunt, but continues to proclaim the same message of respect and future Buddhahood.
• Karma and Transformation: Those who initially opposed Sadaparibhuta suffered, but through his compassion and the power of the Sutra, they eventually achieved enlightenment. This illustrates the concept of karma and the transformative potential of the teachings.
• The Continuity of Teachings and the Importance of Propagation: The excerpt reinforces the significance of not only understanding the Lotus Sutra, but also actively propagating it. Even after a Buddha’s passing, the teachings must continue to be shared. This is demonstrated by Sadaparibhuta honoring many Tathagatas and continuing to teach the Law.

• Quote: “Therefore, keep, read, and share this wisdom, even after the Tathagata has left this world.”

III. Important Figures and Events

• Lord Bhishmagargitashvararaja (The powerful ruler whose teachings roar like a lion and spread swiftly like a horse): A Tathagata (Buddha) who taught the Dharma (law) and during whose dispensation Sadaparibhuta appeared. There were multiple Buddhas with this name. The teaching of the Lotus Sutra itself seems to predate the time of the individual who is known as Sadaparibhuta.
• Sadaparibhuta (Never Disparaging): A Bodhisattva Mahasattva who embodied the principle of not disparaging anyone. His consistent message, despite hostility, and unwavering commitment to the Lotus Sutra’s teachings, become central to his journey to enlightenment.
• The Significance of the “Voice From the Sky”: Sadaparibhuta heard the Lotus Sutra as a voice from the sky when near death, showcasing the profound and accessible nature of the teachings. This underscores that true understanding can arise independent of traditional sources or teachers.
• Multiple Tathagatas and Their Teachings: The text emphasizes that enlightenment is achieved by propitiating multiple Buddhas each with a unique name and style of teaching, for example: Kandraprabhasvararaga (Moon’s Radiant Glow of Harmonious Melody), Dundubhisvararaga (The Resonant Drum of Spiritual Awakening), and Meghasvararaga (The Melody of Clouds, Symbolizing Universal Resonance)

IV. Key Facts & Points

• The Lotus Sutra is described as containing the essence of the Dharma and is essential for achieving enlightenment.
• The Bodhisattva Sadaparibhuta’s persistent practice of non-disparagement is crucial.
• The teachings of Bhishmagargitashvararaja included the Four Noble Truths, the chain of causes and effects, the path to Nirvana, and the Six Perfections of Virtue.
• The story is revealed to be a past life of the speaker, illustrating the continuity of spiritual practice across lifetimes. The Speaker (identified as the Buddha) reveals “it was I who was Sadaparibhuta. My grasp of the Lotus of the True Law allowed me to attain enlightenment swiftly.”

V. Conclusion

This chapter highlights the transformative power of the Lotus Sutra, the significance of respect for all beings, and the importance of actively sharing the teachings. The story of Sadaparibhuta serves as an exemplary model of Bodhisattva practice, demonstrating the necessity of unwavering compassion and the profound potential for enlightenment inherent in all beings. The text underscores that even those who initially reject the Dharma can, through perseverance, compassion, and the power of the Lotus Sutra, achieve ultimate awakening.

Chapter 20–The Unwavering Path of Always Reviled: A Journey Towards Universal Enlightenment