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

Subject: Protective Spells Offered by Guardian Vaisravana

Source: Excerpt from The Lotus Sutra, Chapter 25c – Guardian Vaisravana’s Celestial Spells of Protection

Main Theme: The primary theme is the offering of protective spells by Vaisravana, one of the Four Heavenly Kings, to those who preach and uphold the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. This highlights the importance of protecting and supporting those who propagate the Sutra’s message. The spells are presented as an act of compassion, ensuring the safety and well-being of preachers.

Key Ideas/Facts:

• Vaisravana’s Role: Vaisravana is identified as one of the Four Heavenly Kings, a guardian of the cardinal directions. This establishes his authority and responsibility for protection.
• Offer of Protection: Vaisravana pledges to provide protective spells for those who preach the Lotus Sutra. This emphasizes the value placed on the dissemination of the Sutra’s teachings. He offers this protection “to benefit those who preach these teachings. Out of compassion, I will ensure their safety and protection.”
• Nature of the Spells: The excerpt provides the specific spells offered by Vaisravana. These spells are presented as a series of mantras or incantations.
• Scope of Protection: Vaisravana promises to guard the preachers across a vast distance of “a hundred yojanas.” The yojana is an ancient Indian unit of measurement, suggesting a wide area of protection.
• Beneficiaries: The protection is specifically extended to “those young men and women who uphold this Sutra.” This indicates that the protection is specifically intended for those who actively support and maintain the teachings of the Lotus Sutra.

Important Quotes:

• “I will also offer protective spells to benefit those who preach these teachings. Out of compassion, I will ensure their safety and protection.” – Vaisravana’s statement highlighting his compassionate motivation.
• “In ‘atte’ and ‘natte,’ find courage anew,
• ‘Vanatte anade,’ let peace flow through you.
• From ‘nādi’ to ‘kunadi,’ let your spirit rise,
• With ‘svāhā,’ may you find grace under the skies.”” – The specific protective spells offered by Vaisravana.
• “With these words, I will guard these preachers across a hundred yojanas. Thus, those young men and women who uphold this Sutra will be safeguarded.”” – Vaisravana’s promise of broad protection to dedicated followers.

Conclusion:

The excerpt demonstrates the significance of protecting and supporting those who propagate the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. Vaisravana’s offering of protective spells underscores the importance placed on safeguarding the preachers of the Sutra’s message, ensuring their well-being and enabling them to continue their work without fear. The spells themselves represent a spiritual form of defense, designed to provide courage, peace, and grace to those who uphold the Sutra.

Chapter 25c–Guardian Vaisravana’s Celestial Spells of Protection