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

I. Introduction:

The Lotus Sūtra stands as a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, revered for its profound teachings on the nature of enlightenment and the path to Buddhahood.¹ This influential scripture utilizes a rich tapestry of parables and narratives to convey complex philosophical ideas in an accessible manner.² A central theme within the Lotus Sūtra is the concept of the “One Vehicle” (Ekayana), asserting that all Buddhist paths ultimately lead to the same goal of Buddhahood.⁴ This emphasis on the universal potential for enlightenment has shaped Buddhist thought and practice across diverse cultures and throughout history.³

Chapter Twenty of the Lotus Sūtra, often titled “Bodhisattva Never Disparaging” or “Never-Slighting Bodhisattva,” presents a particularly compelling narrative that embodies key Mahayana ideals.⁵ This chapter recounts the story of a bodhisattva in a past life of Shakyamuni Buddha, illustrating the profound importance of unwavering respect for all beings and the deep-seated belief in their inherent capacity for Buddhahood.⁸ The narrative serves as a powerful demonstration of the bodhisattva’s path, highlighting the necessity of perseverance and compassion even when faced with hostility and misunderstanding.⁵ The inclusion of this story within the Lotus Sūtra underscores its significance in understanding the practical application of the Sutra’s broader teachings.

This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Chapter Twenty, delving into the various facets of the Never-Despising Bodhisattva’s story as outlined in the user’s query. The objectives include: to present the full narrative of Chapter Twenty, to explore the meaning and significance of the Bodhisattva’s name, to analyze their specific actions and words, to investigate the reasons for the negative reactions they encountered, to understand the Buddhist concept of “perverted minds” in this context, to elucidate the relevant Buddhist teachings exemplified by the story, to examine scholarly interpretations and commentaries on the narrative, and to explore the application and understanding of the Never-Despising Bodhisattva’s example in contemporary Buddhist practice.

II. The Narrative of Chapter Twenty: Never-Despising Bodhisattva:

The narrative of Chapter Twenty commences with the Buddha addressing the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Great Strength, setting the stage for a story from a distant past.⁵ The Buddha recounts a time immeasurable eons ago when a Buddha named King of Awesome Sound appeared in a world called Great Accomplishment, during an eon named Apart From Decay.⁵ Following the passing of this Buddha and the subsequent decline of his Dharma, a succession of twenty thousand kotis of Buddhas, all bearing the same name, appeared in the world.⁵

It was during the Dharma Image Age after the first King of Awesome Sound Buddha had passed into stillness that a unique Bhikshu-Bodhisattva by the name of Never-Slighting emerged.⁵ This Bodhisattva’s practice was distinctive: he would bow to every person he encountered – whether a monk, nun, layman, or laywoman – and proclaim with profound respect, “I deeply respect all of you and dare not slight you. Why? You are all practicing the Bodhisattva Path and shall attain Buddhahood”.⁵ This Bhikshu did not engage in the traditional practices of reading or reciting sutras; his primary focus was on this act of reverence and affirmation.⁵ He would even approach the four assemblies from afar to offer his obeisance and pronouncement.⁵

However, this practice was met with hostile reactions from many within the four assemblies who possessed “impure minds”.⁵ Filled with arrogance and disbelief, they grew angry, reviled him with harsh words, and even resorted to physical abuse, striking him with sticks, wood, tiles, and stones.⁵ They questioned his sanity and authority, dismissing his predictions of their future Buddhahood as false and unnecessary.⁵ Despite this constant persecution, the Bodhisattva Never-Slighting remained steadfast. He would retreat to a distance to avoid further harm but would continue to proclaim his message of respect and their eventual enlightenment in a loud voice.⁵ It was because of this unwavering practice of declaring “I dare not slight you, for you shall all become Buddhas” that the arrogant practitioners gave him the mocking nickname “Never-Slighting” or “Never Disparaging”.⁵

As the Bodhisattva approached the end of his life, a remarkable event occurred. He heard in space the entirety of the twenty thousand myriad kotis of verses of the Dharma Flower Sutra previously spoken by the Buddha King of Awesome Sound.⁵ He was able to receive and uphold all of these teachings, and as a result, he immediately attained purity of the six senses – eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind.⁵ His lifespan was further increased by two million kotis of nayutas of years, and he extensively preached the Dharma Flower Sutra for others.⁵ Witnessing his newfound spiritual powers, eloquence, and fearlessness in preaching the Dharma, those who had previously scorned him came to believe in him and willingly became his followers.⁵ This Bodhisattva further transformed countless multitudes, leading them to dwell in anuttarasamyaksambodhi.⁵

The narrative culminates in a significant revelation by Shakyamuni Buddha. He declares to the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Great Strength that the Never-Slighting Bodhisattva from that time was none other than himself in a past life.⁵ Furthermore, the Buddha reveals that the four assemblies of arrogant individuals who had constantly slighted this Bodhisattva were now present in the assembly, including Bhadrapala Bodhisattva and the five hundred Bodhisattvas, Lion Moon and the five hundred Bhikshus, and Sugatachetana and the five hundred Upasakas – all of whom had reached a state of irreversibility on the path to supreme enlightenment.⁵ The chapter concludes with the Buddha emphasizing the immense benefits of the Dharma Flower Sutra for all Bodhisattvas and urging them to always receive, uphold, read, recite, explain, and propagate this Sutra after his passing into stillness.⁵

III. Unpacking the Name: “Never-Despising Bodhisattva”:

The Sanskrit name Sadāparibhūta, commonly translated as “Never Despising,” directly reflects the core of this Bodhisattva’s practice and his attitude towards all living beings.¹¹ This interpretation, widely adopted due to the influence of Kumārajīva’s translation of the Lotus Sūtra, underscores the Bodhisattva’s unwavering respect and lack of contempt for anyone he encountered.¹¹ This attitude stemmed from his profound understanding of the inherent Buddha-nature present within every individual.⁸

Interestingly, some scholars propose an alternative, albeit less popular, translation of Sadāparibhūta as “Always Despised”.¹¹ This interpretation highlights the constant suffering and negative treatment the Bodhisattva endured as a consequence of his unique practice. The duality inherent in these potential meanings suggests a profound aspect of the Bodhisattva’s journey: while his inner practice was rooted in never despising others, the external manifestation of his actions often led to him being despised. This tension underscores the challenges that can arise when profound spiritual principles encounter ignorance and negativity.

The significance of the name “Never-Despising” is deeply intertwined with the central Buddhist teaching of Buddha-nature.² By consistently addressing everyone with respect and affirming their future Buddhahood, the Never-Despising Bodhisattva actively recognized and honored this inherent potential within them. His practice was a direct embodiment of the Lotus Sūtra’s message of universal salvation and the “One Vehicle” leading to enlightenment for all.²

Commentaries on the Lotus Sūtra further illuminate the meaning of the Bodhisattva’s name and practice through the framework of the Four Siddhantas.⁷ The Mundane Siddhanta explains that the Bodhisattva inwardly embraced both the attitude and the wisdom of never slighting anyone, while outwardly practicing reverence in all circumstances.⁷ The Siddhanta for the Sake of Others highlights his genuine practice of not slighting other people.⁷ The Siddhanta as a Cure refers to his verbal expounding of the teaching of never slighting, always declaring, “I do not dare slight you, because you will all become Buddhas,” as a remedy for arrogance and pride.⁷ Finally, the Siddhanta for the Sake of the Primary Principle emphasizes his consistent attitude of never slighting others.⁷ This comprehensive explanation reveals that the Bodhisattva’s name and practice were deeply rooted in Buddhist principles and aimed at benefiting others by awakening them to their own potential for enlightenment.

Siddhanta	Explanation	Snippet(s)
Mundane Siddhanta	Inwardly embraced never slighting anyone (attitude & wisdom); outwardly practiced reverence in all circumstances.	7
Siddhanta for the Sake of Others	Genuinely practiced the conduct of not slighting other people.	7
Siddhanta as a Cure	Verbally expounded the teaching of never slighting, saying, “I do not dare slight you, because you will all become Buddhas,” as a cure for arrogance and pride.	7
Siddhanta for the Primary Principle	Consistently held an attitude of never slighting others.	7

IV. Actions and Words of Profound Respect:

The defining action of the Never-Despising Bodhisattva was his unwavering practice of bowing in profound respect to every person he encountered.⁵ This was not a selective act; he extended his reverence to all members of the Buddhist community – monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen – without exception.⁵ He would even go out of his way to approach individuals and the four assemblies from a distance to offer his obeisance.⁵ This singular focus on bowing and proclaiming his message suggests that it was the core of his spiritual discipline, perhaps even replacing traditional practices like scriptural study.⁵ This unconventional approach underscores the transformative power of a focused intention on respect and the recognition of the inherent Buddha-nature in others.

Complementing his actions were his words, a simple yet profound declaration: “I deeply respect all of you. I do not despise you. You will become Buddhas”.⁵ The phrase “I deeply respect all of you” conveyed his genuine reverence for the inherent worth and potential of every individual.⁵ By stating “I do not despise you,” he directly addressed the pervasive human tendency towards judgment and discrimination, emphasizing the Buddhist principle of equanimity.⁵ The final affirmation, “You will become Buddhas,” echoed the central message of the Lotus Sūtra, offering a powerful prediction of universal enlightenment and instilling hope in those who heard it.⁵ The consistent repetition of these words, even amidst hostility, highlights the Bodhisattva’s deep conviction and the transformative potential of this message.

V. The Roots of Resistance: Understanding Negative Reactions:

The seemingly straightforward practice of the Never-Despising Bodhisattva surprisingly elicited strong negative reactions from many individuals.⁵ Several factors likely contributed to this resistance. A significant reason was the arrogance and overweening pride of some members of the Buddhist community, particularly monks and nuns.⁵ These individuals, perhaps feeling superior due to their monastic status or perceived spiritual achievements, may have resented the implication that everyone, including lay practitioners, possessed the same potential for Buddhahood. Their pride created a barrier to accepting the Bodhisattva’s egalitarian message.

Furthermore, many may have held a strong attachment to existing Dharma interpretations and traditional practices.⁷ The Bodhisattva’s simple act of bowing and proclaiming future Buddhahood, without engaging in scriptural study or other conventional monastic disciplines, could have been viewed as unorthodox, ignorant, or even disrespectful. They questioned his authority to make such pronouncements and may have felt their established understanding of the path to enlightenment was being challenged.

Another key factor was likely disbelief in the concept of universal Buddhahood.⁸ The idea that all beings, regardless of their current state of defilement or perceived lack of virtue, inherently possess the potential to become Buddhas might have been a difficult concept for some to grasp or accept. They may have held a more merit-based or hierarchical view of spiritual attainment, finding it hard to believe in the inherent potential of everyone.

For individuals struggling with their own spiritual progress or harboring feelings of inadequacy, the Bodhisattva’s confident pronouncements might have been misinterpreted as mockery or condescension.⁸ Instead of feeling encouraged, they may have felt ridiculed or underestimated, leading to anger and resentment. Within the monastic community, the Bodhisattva’s message could have also been perceived as a threat to the established order and the authority of senior monks and nuns.⁶ The idea that everyone would become a Buddha could have been seen as undermining the perceived spiritual hierarchy and the importance of monastic status.

VI. The “Perverted Mind”: A Buddhist Psychological Perspective:

The Lotus Sūtra attributes the negative reactions towards the Never-Despising Bodhisattva to individuals with “impure minds”.⁵ From a Buddhist psychological perspective, an “impure mind” (sasravacitta) is characterized by the presence of mental defilements (kleshas) and unwholesome emotions that obscure clear perception and wisdom.¹⁷ These defilements are often categorized as the three poisons: greed (attachment), hatred (aversion), and delusion (ignorance).²⁰

The arrogance and pride displayed by those who opposed the Bodhisattva can be seen as a manifestation of delusion, a distorted perception of oneself as superior to others.¹⁵ Their attachment to their status, authority, and specific interpretations of the Dharma aligns with the poison of greed or attachment.¹⁵ The anger, reviling, and physical abuse they directed towards the Bodhisattva are clear expressions of the poison of hatred or aversion.⁵

An impure mind, dominated by these three poisons, is characterized by distractions, negative qualities, and a focus on self-centered desires.¹⁷ This mental state obstructs the ability to perceive reality clearly, hindering wisdom and the capacity for genuine compassion and generosity.¹⁷ The reactions of the people towards the Never-Despising Bodhisattva vividly illustrate how an impure mind, fueled by the three poisons, can lead to negative thoughts, emotions, and harmful actions. Their inability to recognize the inherent Buddha-nature in the Bodhisattva and in themselves stemmed from the obscurations created by their own mental defilements.

Poison	Manifestation in the Story	Snippet(s)
Greed (Attachment)	Attachment to status within the monastic community; clinging to specific interpretations of Dharma; desire for recognition and authority.	15
Hatred (Aversion)	Anger, reviling, cursing, and physical abuse (hitting with sticks, throwing stones/tiles) directed towards the Bodhisattva for his seemingly presumptuous pronouncements.	5
Delusion (Ignorance)	Arrogance and a sense of superiority; disbelief in the universal potential for Buddhahood; misinterpreting the Bodhisattva’s sincere intentions as ignorance or mockery; clinging to a narrow view of spiritual attainment.	5

VII. Core Buddhist Principles Exemplified:

The story of the Never-Despising Bodhisattva serves as a potent illustration of several fundamental Buddhist principles. Foremost among these is the inherent Buddha-nature of all beings.² The Bodhisattva’s entire practice was predicated on this belief, consistently affirming the potential for enlightenment within everyone he encountered. His actions embodied the understanding that this potential resides in all sentient beings, regardless of their current state of defilement or perceived level of spiritual development.

The Bodhisattva’s unwavering practice of bowing to all demonstrates the Buddhist teaching on the importance of respect and non-discrimination.¹² By extending his reverence to everyone without exception, he challenged social and spiritual hierarchies, emphasizing the intrinsic worth and equal potential of every individual. His actions serve as a powerful reminder to treat all beings with dignity and without prejudice.

Despite facing constant adversity in the form of ridicule, verbal abuse, and physical attacks, the Never-Despising Bodhisattva persevered in his practice.⁵ His unwavering commitment highlights the crucial role of persistent effort and unwavering faith on the spiritual path, even when confronted with significant obstacles and negative reactions.

The narrative also implicitly touches upon the principle of karma and the consequences of negative actions.⁵ Those who scorned and abused the Bodhisattva eventually experienced negative karmic repercussions before ultimately being transformed by their connection to the Lotus Sūtra through him. This illustrates the Buddhist understanding that negative actions, rooted in defilements, lead to negative outcomes.

Finally, the story underscores the power and significance of the Lotus Sūtra.⁵ The Bodhisattva’s attainment of purity of the six senses and the extension of his lifespan upon hearing the Sutra emphasize its transformative potential. Moreover, the eventual enlightenment of those who initially opposed him is attributed to their connection with the Lotus Sūtra through his teachings.

VIII. Scholarly Perspectives and Interpretations:

Scholarly interpretations of the story of the Never-Despising Bodhisattva offer a range of perspectives that enrich our understanding of its significance. Thich Nhat Hanh views the Bodhisattva as a vital figure who reminds us of our inherent Buddha-nature and helps to alleviate feelings of worthlessness.⁸ He emphasizes the Bodhisattva’s sincerity and equanimity in conveying a message of hope and confidence in everyone’s potential for enlightenment.

Commentaries often analyze the name “Never-Slighting” through the lens of the Four Siddhantas, providing a structured understanding of his practice as encompassing inner attitude, outward conduct, verbal expression, and ultimate principle.⁷ Nichiren Daishonin highlights the Bodhisattva’s persistent and compassionate efforts to share the teaching of universal Buddhahood despite facing intense opposition.¹⁶ He also emphasizes the continuous nature of the Bodhisattva’s practice across lifetimes.¹⁴

Some scholars explore the alternative interpretation of the name as “Always Despised,” underscoring the suffering endured by the Bodhisattva for upholding the truth of the Lotus Sūtra.¹¹ This perspective highlights the potential challenges and sacrifices involved in practicing profound compassion. Zen Master Ryokan famously considered the practice of “Never Despising Anyone” as the ultimate practice for all bodhisattvas, emphasizing its central importance on the path to enlightenment.²⁷ These diverse interpretations collectively underscore the profound message of universal Buddha-nature, unwavering respect, and persistent compassion embodied by the Never-Despising Bodhisattva.

IX. The Enduring Legacy: Contemporary Applications:

The example of the Never-Despising Bodhisattva continues to hold profound relevance in contemporary Buddhist practice.¹² It serves as a powerful reminder for practitioners to cultivate deep respect and non-discrimination towards all beings in their daily lives.¹² The story encourages individuals to recognize the inherent Buddha-nature within themselves and others, fostering self-acceptance, compassion, and a sense of interconnectedness.⁸

The Bodhisattva’s unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity provides significant inspiration for practitioners facing challenges on their own spiritual journeys or while engaging with the complexities of the world.¹⁶ The principle of “never disparaging” is also being applied in contemporary contexts such as interfaith dialogue and social justice movements, promoting understanding and respect across different beliefs and social groups.²⁵ Contemporary teachers often emphasize the importance of embodying the spirit of the Never-Despising Bodhisattva by actively encouraging and empowering others to recognize their own potential.⁸ Some practitioners focus on the Bodhisattva’s humility and regard for everyone as a potential Buddha, using this as a basis for their own practice of reverence.¹²

X. Conclusion:

The narrative of the Never-Despising Bodhisattva in Chapter Twenty of the Lotus Sūtra offers a timeless and powerful lesson in universal respect and the unwavering belief in the inherent Buddha-nature of all beings. Despite facing hostility and abuse, the Bodhisattva’s persistent practice of reverence and affirmation ultimately led to the transformation of his persecutors and serves as an enduring example for Buddhist practitioners and anyone seeking a path of compassion and understanding. His story underscores the transformative power of recognizing the potential for enlightenment in everyone we encounter, fostering a more just, compassionate, and enlightened world.

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