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

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Analysis of “The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law,” by William Altig – Chapter 22a: Ancient Devotion of Medicine King Bodhisattva

Introduction:

To summarizes the key narrative points and spiritual themes within Chapter 22a of the provided text, focusing on the story of the Bodhisattva Sarvasattvapriyadarsana (One-who-Views-All-Beings-with-Love) and his eventual transformation into Medicine King Bodhisattva. The text is primarily concerned with detailing the depth of devotion and self-sacrifice demonstrated by Sarvasattvapriyadarsana in his quest for enlightenment.

Key Themes and Ideas:

• The Question of Motivation: The chapter begins with the Bodhisattva Understanding-the-Essence-of-the-Star’s-Radiance questioning why Medicine King Bodhisattva continues to endure suffering in the world. This sets the stage for the story that reveals the origins and motivation behind his actions, emphasizing the inherent compassion of a Bodhisattva. “Why, O Lord, does the enlightened being Medicine King continue his journey in this world of suffering, fully knowing the countless challenges he must face?”
• The Importance of a Teacher: The narrative introduces the Tathagata Radiance of Moonlit Purity and Solar Brilliance as the guiding figure for Sarvasattvapriyadarsana. The Tathagata’s teachings and the ideal spiritual realm he presides over serve as the inspiration for the Bodhisattva’s path. The description of this realm – “free from the presence of women and devoid of hell, beasts, ghosts, and demons. It was a perfect place, smooth and level as the palm of one’s hand, with floors of heavenly lapis lazuli, adorned with trees made of jewels and fragrant sandalwood” highlights the aspirational goal for Buddhist practice.
• The Path of Meditation and Insight: Sarvasattvapriyadarsana is described as wandering for twelve thousand years, engaging deeply in meditation. This prolonged practice leads him to “achieve the state of seeing all forms”. This achievement highlights the role of focused meditation in gaining spiritual insight and understanding.
• Beyond Miraculous Displays: The Nature of True Homage: The text contrasts conventional displays of reverence with a deeper, more profound kind of devotion. Sarvasattvapriyadarsana observes miraculous flowers and fragrant rains but concludes that these are not sufficient to truly honor the Tathagata. “This display of magical power does not honor the Lord and Tathagata as much as the sacrifice of my own body would.” This idea suggests that self-sacrifice and dedication go beyond mere outward acts.
• Preparation for Sacrifice: The Bodhisattva engages in a twelve-year ritual of consuming fragrant substances and oils. This preparation ritual symbolizes the deliberate and carefully considered nature of the sacrifice to come, emphasizing the profound meaning of the act. “For twelve years, Understanding-the-Essence–of–the-Star’s-Radiance, he ate these fragrances and drank this oil, preparing himself for a profound act of devotion.”

Key Facts:

• Central Figure: Sarvasattvapriyadarsana (One-who-Views-All-Beings-with-Love) is the protagonist, whose story elucidates the devotion that leads to becoming Medicine King Bodhisattva.
• Spiritual Guide: The Tathagata Radiance of Moonlit Purity and Solar Brilliance is presented as the enlightened teacher who guided Sarvasattvapriyadarsana.
• Length of Meditation: Sarvasattvapriyadarsana engaged in meditation for twelve thousand years.
• Length of Preparation: The Bodhisattva prepared for his act of devotion by consuming special substances for twelve years.
• Audience: The story is told to an assembly of gods, dragons, spirits, celestial musicians, demons, mythical birds, heavenly beings, serpents, humans, non-human beings, and other enlightened beings. This emphasizes the universal nature and appeal of the teachings.

Important Quotes:

• “Why, O Lord, does the enlightened being Medicine King continue his journey in this world of suffering, fully knowing the countless challenges he must face?”
• “This display of magical power does not honor the Lord and Tathagata as much as the sacrifice of my own body would.”
• “For twelve years, Understanding-the-Essence–of–the-Star’s-Radiance, he ate these fragrances and drank this oil, preparing himself for a profound act of devotion.”

Conclusion:

Chapter 22a establishes the foundation for understanding the devotion of the Medicine King Bodhisattva. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual guidance, the value of prolonged meditation, the necessity of surpassing superficial forms of reverence, and the power of profound self-sacrifice in the pursuit of enlightenment. The story sets a high standard for Buddhist practice, focusing on the Bodhisattva’s willingness to endure hardship and suffering for the benefit of others. This chapter serves as a powerful prelude to the more profound act of devotion that the Bodhisattva will later undertake, as it sets forth the motivations and internal struggles that guide him along his chosen path.

Chapter 22a Ancient Devotion of Medicine King Bodhisattva