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

Subject: Analysis of Chapter 23a from “The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law,” by William Altig.

1. Core Narrative: A Transcendent Journey

• The excerpt centers on a journey undertaken by the Bodhisattva Mahasattva named Faltering-Voice from the world “Adorned-with-the-Rays-of-Vairokana” to the Saha-world. This is initiated by a flash of light emitted by the Sage of the Shakyans, also known as the Tathagata, from the hair between his eyebrows. This flash is a common motif for spiritual connection or communication.
• The journey is not merely a physical movement but a transfer of spiritual focus and purpose. Faltering-Voice is specifically going to “see, salute, and wait upon the Lord of the Sakyans, the Tathagata, and others” as well as specific named Bodhisattvas in the Saha-world.

2. Multiplicity of Buddhas and Worlds

• The text emphasizes the existence of multiple Buddhas and worlds. There is the “Sage of the Shakyans” in a world not explicitly named (though implied to be the Saha-world), and also the “Tathagata named The-One-with-Knowledge-of-the-Blossoming-Lotus-Garland-Resembling-a-Vine-of-Stars-Colored-with-Passion” in the world “Adorned-with-the-Rays-of-Vairokana.” This suggests a vast cosmology.
• The number of Buddha-lands illuminated by the light is explicitly stated as being “as numerous as the sands of eighteen Ganges rivers,” underscoring the magnitude of the universe.

3. Faltering-Voice: A Bodhisattva of High Attainment

• Faltering-Voice is not an ordinary being; he is a Bodhisattva Mahasattva. The text explicitly lists his achievements and characteristics, “one who had cultivated roots of goodness, seen similar luminous flashes from many Tathagatas, and acquired many profound Samadhis.”
• These Samadhis (meditative states) are numerous and have specific names, including “Samadhi Bracelet-at-the-Upper-End-of-the-Banner-Staff,” “Lotus-of-the-True-Law,” and many others. The sheer number of these is highlighted: “many hundreds of thousands of myriads of Samadhis equal to the sands of the Ganges River.” This indicates Faltering-Voice’s advanced spiritual development.

4. Warning Against Superficiality

• A major theme is the caution given to Faltering-Voice by The-One-with-Knowledge-of-the-Blossoming-Lotus-Garland-Resembling-a-Vine-of-Stars-Colored-with-Passion. Before he journeys, the Buddha warns him:
• Quote: “Young seeker of truth, as you journey to the Saha-world⁠, do not allow yourself to be deceived by its appearance. Though that world may seem imperfect, filled with earthly terrain, rugged mountains, and narrow gutters, remember, appearances can be misleading.”
• This suggests that the Saha-world, which is often associated with suffering and imperfection in Buddhist cosmology, might appear unimpressive compared to the radiant world of Vairokana.
• The Buddha explicitly cautions Faltering-Voice not to be misled by the perceived stature or appearance of the Tathagata and Bodhisattvas in the Saha-world, noting their size may seem smaller than he might expect:
• Quote: “The Lord Śākyamuni⁠ you seek may seem modest, just as the Great Bodhisattvas⁠ appear small in that realm. Yet, do not forget that you stand forty-two hundred thousand yojanas tall, while I tower sixty-eight hundred thousand yojanas in height.”
• He is reminded that true wisdom lies in “recognizing the underlying essence, not the outward form.” The contrast between the appearances of the Saha-world and the reality is stressed. The message seems to be that the most profound truths are not always outwardly apparent.

5. Significance of the Saha World

• Despite its perceived imperfections, the Saha-world holds importance. Faltering-Voice’s journey is purposeful; he is going to “see, salute, and wait upon” spiritual figures. This suggests that even in a world of suffering, there is immense spiritual value and potential for enlightenment.
• The journey also underscores that spiritual progress involves a recognition and acceptance of this world’s nature, and learning to see the inherent truth within.

6. Key Concepts

• Tathagata: Refers to a Buddha
• Bodhisattva Mahasattva: An advanced spiritual being on the path to Buddhahood who is motivated by compassion to help others achieve enlightenment
• Samadhi: A state of meditative absorption
• Saha-world: In Buddhist cosmology, this refers to the world we inhabit, a world filled with suffering and imperfections.
• Yojana: An ancient unit of measurement, here used to highlight the scale of the spiritual realm.

Conclusion

The excerpt presents a complex cosmological view, filled with multiple Buddhas and worlds. The journey of Faltering-Voice, guided by a specific purpose, is a metaphor for spiritual seeking. Crucially, the text emphasizes the importance of inner perception and avoiding superficial judgments when seeking truth, particularly when entering a world of apparent imperfection. The idea that appearances can be deceptive is a key teaching of the text.

Chapter 23a–The Journey of Faltering-Voice: Achievements and Meditations of the Bodhisattvas