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

Source: Excerpt from Lotus Sutra, Chapter 25d

Main Theme: Divine Protection of Teachers and Followers of the Lotus Sutra

The primary theme of this excerpt is the divine protection offered to teachers and followers of the Lotus Sutra. Virudhaka, one of the four directional kings, pledges to provide this protection through a specific protective spell.

Key Ideas and Facts:

• Virudhaka’s Role: Virudhaka is presented as a powerful figure, one of the rulers of the cardinal directions, accompanied by a large retinue of Kumbhandas (a type of spirit). This establishes his authority and capacity to provide significant protection.
• Offering of Protective Spells: Virudhaka offers a specific spell intended to benefit all people, but especially those who uphold and preach the teachings of the Lotus Sutra.
• The Spell’s Structure: The spell consists of a series of phrases (“agane,” “gane,” “Gauri gandhari,” etc.) culminating in “svaha.” The specific meaning of these phrases is not provided in this excerpt, but the implication is that they possess talismanic power.
• Universality of Approval: The excerpt emphasizes that “an unimaginable number of Buddhas have approved these talismanic words.” This highlights the legitimacy and efficacy of the spell. It suggests that the spell is not just Virudhaka’s personal creation, but is aligned with the will and power of countless Buddhas.
• Consequences of Harming Preachers: A strong deterrent is presented: “Any attempt to harm these preachers would offend all these enlightened beings.” This underscores the seriousness of interfering with those who spread the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, implying that such actions would have severe repercussions.

Important Quotes:

• “I, too, will offer protective spells to benefit all people and especially safeguard those qualified preachers who uphold these teachings.” – Virudhaka’s declaration of intent, highlighting the targeted protection for teachers.
• “In ‘agane’ and ‘gane,’ find your force, / ‘Gauri gandhari,’ be your unswerving course. / With ‘kandali matangi,’ rise above the fray, / ‘Pukkasi sankule,’ light will guide your way. / In ‘vrusali,’ let your courage be unfurled, / With the closing ‘svaha,’ be a beacon in the world.” – The specific protective spell itself.
• “An unimaginable number of Buddhas have approved these talismanic words.” – Confirmation of the spell’s universal endorsement.
• “Any attempt to harm these preachers would offend all these enlightened beings.” – Warning against harming preachers of the Lotus Sutra.

Implications:

• Reassurance and Encouragement: This passage would likely serve to reassure and encourage followers and teachers of the Lotus Sutra, providing them with a sense of divine protection against obstacles and harm.
• Emphasis on the Importance of Teaching: By highlighting the protection specifically afforded to “qualified preachers,” the excerpt reinforces the importance of spreading and upholding the teachings of the Lotus Sutra.
• Call to Reverence: The excerpt implicitly calls for reverence toward those who dedicate themselves to the Sutra, emphasizing the grave consequences of harming them.

Chapter 25d–Virudhaka’s Spell of Unyielding Guardianship