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

Subject: Analysis of “Akshayamati’s Ode to Avalokitesvara,” focusing on its portrayal of Avalokitesvara and related Buddhist concepts.

Source: Excerpts from “The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law,” by William Altig, Chapter 24c – Verses of Illumination: Akshayamati’s Ode to Avalokitesvara

Executive Summary:

This chapter presents a powerful ode to Avalokitesvara, a Bodhisattva revered for compassion and wisdom. The verses highlight Avalokitesvara’s attributes, his role as a protector, guide, and source of enlightenment, and his connection to Amitabha Buddha and the Pure Land. The text emphasizes the transformative power of contemplating Avalokitesvara and hearing his teachings, ultimately leading to enlightenment.

Key Themes and Ideas:

1. Avalokitesvara as Embodiment of Compassion and Wisdom: The verses repeatedly emphasize Avalokitesvara’s qualities of compassion, wisdom, and kindness. He is depicted as:

• “O thou with eyes so clear and kind, Wisdom, knowledge, compassion combined”: This opening verse sets the tone, establishing Avalokitesvara as the embodiment of these virtues.
• “Joyous in kindness, compassion’s embrace, Great cloud of virtues, benevolence’s face”: This emphasizes the boundless nature of his compassion and virtue.
• “Compassionate for all, future Buddha in sight”: This highlights his Bodhisattva path, aiming for Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings.

1. Avalokitesvara as Protector and Refuge: The verses portray Avalokitesvara as a refuge in times of suffering:

• “In quarrel, dispute, in battle’s cold glare, Think of Avalokitesvara, free from despair”: This highlights his role as a protector against earthly struggles.
• “Protector and refuge in death’s bitter night, Calamity’s balm, eternal light”: He is depicted as a sanctuary even against death itself, symbolizing hope and deliverance.

1. Avalokitesvara as Guide and Source of Enlightenment: The ode presents Avalokitesvara as a guide towards spiritual awakening:

• “Think of him whose voice is profound… Avalokitesvara, guiding light”: His teachings and presence are presented as a path to enlightenment.
• “Think with tranquility, think with pure grace, Avalokitesvara’s gentle embrace”: Contemplation of Avalokitesvara’s virtues facilitates inner peace and spiritual growth.
• “Universal Lord, virtues’ rich mine, Supreme enlightenment, divinely divine”: Avalokitesvara is aligned with the highest goal of Buddhism – enlightenment.

1. Connection to Amitabha Buddha and the Pure Land: The text establishes a strong connection between Avalokitesvara and Amitabha Buddha in the Pure Land:

• “Fanning Amitabha⁠, Chief so deft,”: This image suggests Avalokitesvara as a close associate of Amitabha.
• “In the west, where Sukhakara⁠ gleams pure, Amitabha, the tamer, abides in allure”: This places Amitabha in the Pure Land (“Sukhakara”), which is described as a place of purity.
• “No women dwell there, no union’s touch, Sons of Jina, apparitional birth, such Are seated in lotuses, undefiled, bright”: This describes the Pure Land as a celestial realm where beings are born from lotuses, suggesting a purified existence.
• “Amitabha himself, on a lotus throne, sits, In the purest of cups, where his light flits”: Emphasizing Amitabha’s presence in the Pure Land as the central figure.

1. The Power of Devotion and Hearing the Dharma: The final verses and Dharanindhara’s comment underscore the transformative impact of engaging with Avalokitesvara’s teachings:

• “Those who hear this chapter about the noble Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, and this remarkable ability to transform, must indeed be filled with a deep reservoir of goodness, O Lord”: This highlights the merit and positive transformation that comes from listening to teachings about Avalokitesvara.
• “As the Lord explained this chapter about the All-sided One, eighty-four thousand assembly members felt a profound awakening.”: This illustrates the power of hearing the Dharma, with many attaining a deep spiritual understanding through this teaching.

Key Quotes:

• “O thou with eyes so clear and kind, Wisdom, knowledge, compassion combined…” – Opening description of Avalokitesvara’s attributes.
• “In quarrel, dispute, in battle’s cold glare, Think of Avalokitesvara, free from despair” – Emphasis on Avalokitesvara as a protector.
• “Compassionate for all, future Buddha in sight” – Highlighting Avalokitesvara’s Bodhisattva path.
• “No women dwell there, no union’s touch, Sons of Jina, apparitional birth, such Are seated in lotuses, undefiled, bright” – Description of the Pure Land.
• “Those who hear this chapter about the noble Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara…must indeed be filled with a deep reservoir of goodness” – The transformative power of hearing the teachings.

Conclusion:

Chapter 24c is a powerful hymn to Avalokitesvara, emphasizing his role as a compassionate protector, a wise guide, and a connection to the Pure Land of Amitabha. The text suggests that contemplation of Avalokitesvara and engagement with his teachings can lead to enlightenment and liberation from suffering. It also highlights the merit associated with the devotion to Avalokitesvara and the power of listening to Buddhist teachings (the Dharma).

Chapter 24c–Verses of Illumination: Akshayamati’s Ode to Avalokitesvara