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

Subject: Detailed analysis of Chapter 22c, focusing on themes of devotion, sacrifice, the superiority of the Lotus Sutra, and the path to enlightenment.

Introduction:

This document analyzes excerpts from “Chapter 22c – Honoring the Relics and The Further Devotion of One-who-Views-All-Beings-with-Love”. This chapter from the Lotus Sutra highlights the profound devotion and sacrifices of the enlightened being, Understanding-the-Essence-of-the-Star’s-Radiance (also identified as One-who-Views-All-Beings-with-Love, and revealed to be the past incarnation of Radiance-of-the-Moon’s-Pure-Light). The text emphasizes the exceptional merit of honoring relics, the power of self-sacrifice, and the unparalleled supremacy of the Lotus Sutra.

Key Themes and Ideas:

1. Devotion to the Tathagata and Relics:

• The chapter opens with the death of the Tathagata (Radiance-of-the-Moon’s-Pure-Light). Understanding-the-Essence-of-the-Star’s-Radiance demonstrates profound grief, followed by elaborate acts of honoring the relics.
• He cremates the body, collects the bones, and enshrines them in “eighty-four thousand urns of seven precious substances” and establishes “eighty-four thousand Stupas, reaching in height to the Brahma-world.”
• These actions exemplify the deep veneration for the Tathagata and his remains. This veneration is not merely ritualistic; it’s a testament to the transformative impact of the Tathagata’s teaching.

1. Self-Sacrifice as an Act of Worship:

• The text escalates the concept of devotion by depicting a radical act of self-sacrifice. After creating the stupas, Understanding-the-Essence-of-the-Star’s-Radiance “burnt his own arm which was marked by the one hundred auspicious signs… and so paid worship to those Stupas.”
• This act of burning his own arm (and the subsequent miraculous restoration) during seventy-two thousand years highlights that the devotion to the teachings should be absolute, even to the extent of physical sacrifice.
• This sacrifice is not portrayed as an end in itself but as a profound act of devotion to the teachings and to inspire others, as noted when he educates “countless hundred thousands of myriads of kotis of disciples”.
• The story is meant to inspire a form of radical devotion, but the story then directly says that even “burning a toe or finger” earns more merit than acts such as “giving up kingdoms or entire worlds.”

1. The Supremacy of the Lotus Sutra:

• The chapter emphasizes the unparalleled importance of the Lotus Sutra. This is achieved through a series of powerful metaphors comparing the sutra to celestial bodies, natural landmarks, and divine beings.
• “Just as the vast ocean surpasses all rivers and ponds, Understanding-the-Essence-of-the-Star’s-Radiance, so does the Teaching of the Lotus of the True Law excel all other teachings of enlightenment.”
• “Just as Mount Everest reigns over all mountains, this Teaching stands as a king among spiritual texts.”
• “Just as the moon is the brightest among the stars, this Teaching shines brightest among spiritual guides, even outshining countless moons.”
• “Just as the sun dispels the dark, this Teaching clears away the darkness of ignorance.”
• “Just as Zeus is chief among the gods, so this Teaching is the highest of spiritual texts.”
• “Just as the great Creator acts as a father to the divine beings, this Teaching nurtures all seekers of truth, guiding both novices and masters.”
• The Lotus Sutra is described as the ultimate guide, delivering seekers from suffering, providing solace, and leading to enlightenment. It surpasses all other scriptures: “the teachings of the Lotus of the True Law exceed all other scriptures spoken by the Tathagata (Buddha)”.
• It is presented as an all encompassing solution for all sorts of earthly and spiritual needs, a “well for the thirsty, a fire for the cold, clothing for the naked, a guide for travelers, a mother to her children, a boat for those crossing, a healer for the sick, a lamp for those in darkness, a jewel for the needy, the ocean for the rivers, a torch to scatter shadows.”
• The implication is that devotion and adherence to the teachings of the Lotus Sutra bring the greatest spiritual reward, exceeding even the merit from giving away vast earthly possessions.

1. Merit and Reward:

• The chapter underscores the profound merit gained by engaging with the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. It mentions that by “learning, writing, or revering this Teaching, honoring it with flowers, incense, music, flags, lamps burning with fine oils” the practitioner gains “immeasurable merit.”
• Furthermore, the text asserts that keeping even a single verse of the Lotus Sutra is more meritorious than giving away entire worlds, positioning the text’s value as immeasurable.

1. Path to Enlightenment:

• The chapter presents the Lotus Sutra as a direct pathway to enlightenment. Those who embrace the teachings and surpass others on the path. The text states: “Those who embrace this supreme guide will surpass others who do not.”
• The Sutra serves as a guide, teacher, and protector on the journey towards spiritual awakening, a beacon for those “striving to reach enlightenment.”

Key Quotes:

• “I have paid honor to the Tathagata-relics of Radiance-of-the-Moon’s-Pure-Light, but I will pay to those relics a yet loftier and most distinguished honor.”
• “If anyone seeking enlightenment burns even a toe or finger at a sacred shrine, they will gain more merit than giving up kingdoms or entire worlds.”
• “Just as the vast ocean surpasses all springs, streams, and ponds, the teachings of the Lotus of the True Law⁠ exceed all other scriptures spoken by the Tathagata (Buddha).”
• “This Teaching of the Lotus of the True Law rescues all from fear, and frees from pain. It is a well for the thirsty, a fire for the cold, clothing for the naked, a guide for travelers, a mother to her children, a boat for those crossing, a healer for the sick, a lamp for those in darkness, a jewel for the needy, the ocean for the rivers, a torch to scatter shadows.”

Conclusion:

Chapter 22c presents a powerful narrative illustrating the intense devotion to the teachings and relics of the Tathagata. It uses powerful imagery and metaphors to elevate the Lotus Sutra to a position of unparalleled importance, positioning it as the ultimate guide for those seeking enlightenment. The chapter underscores the transformative power of self-sacrifice and the immeasurable merit gained through sincere engagement with the sutra. It encourages followers to embrace this supreme teaching and embark on the path to liberation, making it a cornerstone of the Lotus Sutra’s teachings.

Chapter 22c–Honoring the Relics and The Further Devotion of One-who-Views-All-Beings-with-Love