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

Learn this Buddhist classic, the Lotus Sutra

The Profound Encouragement of Universal-Sage Bodhisattva in Chapter 28 of the Lotus Sutra

The Lotus Sutra, revered as a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, presents a comprehensive vision of the path to Buddhahood, asserting that this supreme state is attainable by all beings without exception.1 Central to its teachings is the doctrine of the One Vehicle (Ekayana), which posits that all Buddhist paths ultimately converge on Buddhahood, and the concept of skillful means (Upaya), highlighting the Buddha’s compassionate adaptability in guiding diverse beings.1 Furthermore, the Sutra unveils the eternal nature of the Buddha, transcending the limitations of historical appearance.1 Its profound influence resonates deeply within East Asian Buddhism, particularly within the Nichiren tradition.1 While the Lotus Sutra is celebrated for its expansive and often visionary narratives, some may perceive its depth and scope as challenging to grasp fully.8 This perception underscores the importance of the concluding chapter, Chapter 28, which offers profound encouragement and reassurance to practitioners.

Chapter 28, often titled “Encouragement of Universal Sage Bodhisattva” or a similar variation, marks the culmination of the Lotus Sutra in Kumarajiva’s widely influential translation.9 This final chapter introduces the arrival of Universal-Sage Bodhisattva (Samantabhadra) from the east, accompanied by an immense assembly of other bodhisattvas.9 Upon reaching Mount Gridhrakuta, the assembly pays homage to Shakyamuni Buddha and inquires about the means by which one can obtain and uphold the Dharma Flower Sutra after the Buddha’s parinirvana.9 The very act of Universal-Sage’s arrival is imbued with symbolic significance, as the quaking of the countries they traversed can be understood as a purification of the sense faculties of all living beings, and the rain of jeweled lotuses represents the arising of good thoughts within one’s true mind.12 This grand entry underscores the profound importance of the message that follows, setting a tone of deep spiritual resonance for the chapter’s content. Notably, Universal-Sage is revered as the Bodhisattva of Practice, a title that lends particular weight to his subsequent declaration concerning the actions of those who embrace the Lotus Sutra.7 His core association with diligent practice and conduct makes his pronouncements on this matter especially meaningful and authoritative, suggesting that engagement with the Sutra is not merely an intellectual exercise but a practical and transformative endeavor.

Universal-Sage Bodhisattva, whose Sanskrit name Samantabhadra translates to “Universal Worthy” or “All Good,” occupies a significant position within the Mahayana Buddhist pantheon.7 He is often depicted symbolically riding a majestic white elephant, frequently portrayed with six tusks.7 The symbolism of the six tusks is often explained as representing the overcoming of attachment to the six senses, while the white elephant itself embodies the immense power of Buddhism to surmount all obstacles.19 The visual representation of Universal-Sage, as described in various texts, often includes a regal figure adorned with jewels and accompanied by celestial beings, further emphasizing his extraordinary spiritual capabilities.23 This rich symbolism underscores the themes of transcending worldly entanglements and the potent transformative capacity inherent in Buddhist practice.

Within the broader context of Mahayana Buddhism, Universal-Sage is recognized as one of the eight great bodhisattvas.27 He is often paired with Manjusri, the bodhisattva of wisdom, forming the revered Shakyamuni Trinity, where Universal-Sage typically represents the active embodiment of the Buddha’s teachings.7 He is seen as embodying the active quality of the Pure Mind, signifying the practical application of Buddhist principles.29 Indeed, Universal-Sage is regarded as the guardian of the Dharma, the very embodiment of its practice, and the guiding principle behind the actions of all Buddhas.30 While his presence is prominent in the Lotus Sutra, he is also renowned for his ten great vows, as detailed in the Avatamsaka Sutra.7 These profound vows, which serve as a foundational framework for bodhisattva conduct, encompass a wide range of practices, including paying homage to all Buddhas, praising the Tathagatas, making extensive offerings, confessing and repenting karmic obstacles, rejoicing in the virtue of others, requesting the turning of the Dharma wheel, entreating Buddhas to remain in the world, diligently following the Buddha’s teachings, always according with and benefiting all sentient beings, and universally dedicating all virtue.4 These vows, while originating in another significant Mahayana text, resonate deeply with the spirit of universal compassion and the commitment to the liberation of all beings that are central to the Lotus Sutra’s message, suggesting a harmonious consistency across different strands of Mahayana thought.

At the heart of Chapter 28 lies Universal-Sage’s powerful declaration, a statement that offers profound encouragement to those who dedicate themselves to the Lotus Sutra. Examining the specific wording across various English translations reveals a consistent core message. One translation states, “Anyone who keeps, reads and recites this sūtra, memorizes it correctly, understands the meanings of it, and acts according to it, know this, does the same practices that I do. He should be considered to have already planted deeply the roots of good under innumerable Buddhas [in his previous existence]”.14 Another offers a similar phrasing: “If a person receives, upholds, reads, and recites it, properly recollects it, explains its doctrines, and cultivates according to its teachings, you should know that he is practicing the conduct of Universal Worthy. He has planted deep good roots in the presence of boundless, uncountable Buddhas”.9 A third translation uses the terms “accepts and upholds,” “memorize it correctly,” “practice it as the sutra prescribes,” and “carrying out the practices of Universal Worthy himself”.15 Despite slight variations in phrasing, the fundamental assertion remains: diligent and comprehensive engagement with the Lotus Sutra is equivalent to embodying the very practices of Universal-Sage Bodhisattva and signifies the accumulation of vast merit from countless past lives. This consistency across translations from authoritative sources underscores the significance and reliability of this pivotal declaration.

The declaration emphasizes a series of key actions that constitute true engagement with the Lotus Sutra. “Keeps” or “upholds” suggests an active and sustained commitment to the Sutra, an acceptance of its teachings as a guiding principle in one’s life. “Reads” and “recites” imply a regular interaction with the text, engaging with it both intellectually through study and orally through recitation, fostering a deeper connection with its wisdom and power. “Memorizes correctly” or “properly recollects” indicates a level of familiarity that goes beyond mere reading, suggesting an internalization of the Sutra’s content, allowing its teachings to become readily accessible in one’s mind. “Understands the meanings of it,” “explains its doctrines,” or “understands its principles” highlights the importance of intellectual comprehension, delving into the deeper significance of the Sutra’s message rather than simply reading the words. Finally, “acts according to it,” “cultivates according to its teachings,” or “practices it as the sutra prescribes” underscores the crucial aspect of embodying the Sutra’s principles in one’s daily life, translating understanding into ethical conduct and compassionate action. These actions, taken together, represent a holistic engagement with the Lotus Sutra, encompassing the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of spiritual practice. This comprehensive approach forms a virtuous cycle, where understanding deepens action, and consistent engagement reinforces comprehension and internalization, leading to a more profound and transformative experience of the Dharma.

To “do the same practices” as Universal-Sage Bodhisattva implies a profound commitment to the bodhisattva path. It suggests the cultivation of the six perfections (paramitas): generosity, morality, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom, which form the core of Mahayana ethical and spiritual training.21 Furthermore, it reflects the spirit of Universal-Sage’s ten great vows, particularly the overarching vow to benefit all sentient beings without exception.20 Practitioners who diligently engage with the Lotus Sutra, according to Universal-Sage, will naturally embody qualities such as honesty, uprightness, correct memory, and the power of merit and virtue.15 This emulation extends to a way of life characterized by non-attachment to worldly pleasures, a discerning approach to other teachings, and an avoidance of harmful associations.14 It also involves cultivating inner qualities such as wanting little and knowing contentment, reflecting a mind at peace and free from excessive desires.14 Ultimately, this declaration reinforces the fundamental Mahayana principle that wisdom and compassion are inextricably linked on the path to enlightenment. Understanding the Dharma through the Lotus Sutra naturally leads to compassionate action and a dedication to the well-being of all beings, mirroring the very essence of Universal-Sage, who embodies universal love and compassion.30 The path of benefiting others and the path of benefiting oneself are thus revealed as inseparable aspects of the bodhisattva ideal.35

The declaration goes on to state that those who engage with the Lotus Sutra in this comprehensive way “should be considered to have already planted deeply the roots of good under innumerable Buddhas”.14 This powerful assertion delves into the Buddhist understanding of past lives and the accumulation of merit, or karma. Buddhism teaches the cyclical nature of existence, with consciousness continuing across numerous lifetimes.1 Actions performed in past lives, both positive and negative, accumulate as karma, which then influences the circumstances and experiences of present and future lives.37 The statement that one has “already planted deeply the roots of good” signifies that the capacity and inclination to engage with the Lotus Sutra in this profound manner are not merely accidental but are the result of extensive spiritual cultivation over countless previous existences. The phrase “under innumerable Buddhas” emphasizes the vastness of time and effort involved in this accumulation of merit.14 It suggests countless eons of practice, dedication, and learning in the presence of countless enlightened beings.1 This highlights the long and often arduous journey of a bodhisattva towards ultimate enlightenment. The concept of “innumerable Buddhas” could also be interpreted in light of the Mahayana understanding of the Dharma as the source of all Buddhas and all phenomena, representing the fundamental truth from which all enlightened beings arise.40 Therefore, the profound merit accumulated through these past interactions with the Dharma and enlightened beings has laid a deep foundation for one’s present engagement with the Lotus Sutra. This idea of past merit aligns seamlessly with the Mahayana teaching of inherent Buddha-nature, the understanding that all beings possess the intrinsic potential for enlightenment.1 Past lives of dedicated practice can be seen as the process of gradually uncovering and cultivating this inherent Buddha-nature, bringing it closer to full realization.

Universal-Sage’s declaration holds particular significance in addressing the potential feelings of insignificance that practitioners may experience in their mundane practice. The statement directly counters such feelings by illuminating the profound impact of consistent engagement with the Lotus Sutra. It underscores the idea that even seemingly ordinary acts of reading, reciting, understanding, and practicing the Sutra are deeply meaningful and are intrinsically linked to a vast history of spiritual cultivation. These words offer a powerful affirmation of the value inherent in everyday practice, reminding practitioners that their current efforts are not isolated or trivial but are integral to a much larger and deeply meaningful spiritual journey. The very promise of “doing the same practices” as a great Bodhisattva like Universal-Sage provides a profound sense of connection and validation for practitioners striving on the path. Furthermore, the assurance that one has already “planted deeply the roots of good” offers immense encouragement to persevere, even when immediate progress or tangible results may not be readily apparent. This resonates with other teachings within the Lotus Sutra and related texts that offer encouragement to practitioners in what is sometimes referred to as the age of degeneration, highlighting the gradual nature of spiritual development.42 Recognizing this legacy of past practice can serve as a powerful source of motivation and hope, fostering a renewed sense of dedication and potential for future enlightenment. As one text suggests, the current practice can be understood as an awakening of the merits already accumulated over many past lives.39

Beyond the profound encouragement offered by his declaration, Universal-Sage Bodhisattva also makes specific vows in Chapter 28 to protect and assist those who uphold the Lotus Sutra, particularly in the challenging times of the Latter Day of the Law. He promises to safeguard practitioners from harm, ensure their peace and security, and prevent evil influences from taking advantage of them.9 He vows to manifest before those who diligently read and recite the Sutra, offering his protection and comfort, thereby strengthening their resolve.9 Furthermore, he pledges to aid practitioners in remembering any forgotten passages or verses of the Sutra, ensuring a deeper and more complete understanding of its teachings.9 Universal-Sage also offers powerful dharanis, sacred incantations, for protection against non-human entities and the confusion caused by worldly distractions.9 These extensive vows, as summarized in various interpretations, offer a significant sense of security and encouragement for practitioners dedicated to the Lotus Sutra, especially during times when challenges and obstacles may seem overwhelming.26 The very act of Universal-Sage making these promises underscores the profound importance of upholding the Lotus Sutra in the age after the Buddha’s passing, elevating this practice to a level of paramount significance under the direct protection of both Shakyamuni Buddha and Universal-Sage himself.18 These vows serve as a powerful source of inspiration and reassurance, fostering a deeper faith and commitment to the transformative teachings of the Lotus Sutra.

In conclusion, Universal-Sage Bodhisattva’s declaration in Chapter 28 of the Lotus Sutra stands as a powerful affirmation of the profound value inherent in diligently engaging with its teachings. It illuminates the deep connection between present practice, the accumulated merit of countless past lives, and the ultimate potential for attaining Buddhahood. The Bodhisattva’s compassionate vows further underscore the significance of this path, offering substantial protection and unwavering support to practitioners, particularly in the challenging times predicted for the Latter Day of the Law. For contemporary Buddhist practitioners, this message serves as a timeless reminder of their inherent worthiness and the profound impact of their efforts, even amidst the seemingly mundane aspects of daily life. It encourages perseverance by placing present practice within the context of a vast and meaningful spiritual journey, fueled by the merit cultivated over eons. Ultimately, Universal-Sage’s encouragement offers hope and reassurance, reinforcing the belief that consistent engagement with the Lotus Sutra, encompassing its intellectual understanding, emotional resonance, and practical embodiment, is a potent and supported path towards profound spiritual growth and the realization of one’s own inherent Buddha-nature.

Translation SourceKey Wording of the Declaration
Wisdom Publications 10If a person receives, upholds, reads, and recites it, properly recollects it, explains its doctrines, and cultivates according to its teachings, you should know that he is practicing the conduct of Universal Worthy. He has planted deep good roots in the presence of boundless, uncountable Buddhas.
Murano Translation 23Anyone who keeps, reads and recites this sūtra, memorizes it correctly, understands the meanings of it, and acts according to it, know this, does the same practices that I do. He should be considered to have already planted deeply the roots of good under innumerable Buddhas [in his previous existence].
BDK English Tripiṭaka 26If a person receives, upholds, reads, and recites it, properly recollects it, explains its doctrines, and cultivates according to its teachings, you should know that he is practicing the conduct of Universal Worthy. He has planted deep good roots in the presence of boundless, uncountable Buddhas.

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William Altig

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