Category: Chapter 17
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Faith, Eternal Buddhahood, and the Attainment of Supreme Enlightenment in the Lotus Sūtra (Chapter Seventeen)
Date: June 3, 2025 Subject: Analysis of Lotus Sūtra Chapter Seventeen, focusing on the declaration of the Buddha’s eternal lifespan and its implications for attaining supreme enlightenment. Sources: Excerpts from “Lotus Sūtra Chapter Seventeen Analysis,” with specific references to cited texts. Key Takeaways: This briefing document analyzes the profound teachings presented in Chapter Seventeen of…
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The Merits of Practice and Understanding in Lotus Sūtra Chapter Seventeen
The Lotus Sūtra, a foundational text within Mahayana Buddhism, articulates the doctrine of the One Vehicle, asserting that all paths ultimately lead to Buddhahood.1 This influential scripture, revered across various East Asian Buddhist traditions, is considered by many to encapsulate the complete and final teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, sufficient for attaining salvation.2 Chapter Seventeen of…
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Eternal Devotion and the Unmeasured Merit of Upholding the Sutra
Source: Chapter 17e of The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law, by William Altig, from Mahayana tradition, emphasizes merit gained from spreading teachings after the Buddha’s death. Main Themes: Key Ideas and Facts: Notable Quotes: Overall, this chapter underscores the vital role of the Sutra in Buddhist practice and the profound spiritual…
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The Path to Infinite Wisdom
Source: Chapter 17d – The Path to Infinite Wisdom: Embracing the Teachings of the Enlightened One from The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law, by William Altig Main Themes: Most Important Ideas/Facts: Key Takeaways: The text emphasizes the importance of internalizing and actively living by the teachings as the true path to…
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The Boundless Virtue of Faith
Source: Chapter 17c–The Boundless Virtue of Faith from The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law, by William Altig, a Buddhist text. Main Theme: This chapter centers on the extraordinary merit accrued by having faith in the infinite lifespan of the Enlightened One (likely referring to Buddha). It contrasts this with the comparatively…
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Maitreya’s Verses of Revelation and Celebration
Main Themes: Key Ideas and Facts: Notable Quotes: Overall Impression: Maitreya’s verses paint a vivid and inspiring picture of the Buddha’s profound impact on the universe. The verses evoke a sense of awe and wonder at the vastness of the Buddha’s wisdom and the transformative power of his teachings, offering hope and encouragement to all…
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The Infinite Merit and Miraculous Manifestations
Source: Chapter 17a – The Infinite Merit: A Journey Towards Enlightenment of The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law, by William Altig Main Theme: This passage emphasizes the boundless impact of the Buddha’s teachings about the eternal nature of truth and the infinite lifespan of the Enlightened One. It highlights the transformative…
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Chapter 17–Eternal Devotion: The Unmeasured Merit of Upholding the Sutra
And on that occasion, the Lord uttered the following verses: As I’ve mentioned before, a merit immense,Shall be his who keeps this Sutra’s defense,After the Leader of men’s complete extinction,A path of wisdom, a spiritual distinction. He’ll have paid worship to me, built Stupas grand,Of relics, precious, beautiful, a wonderland,Variegated and splendid, a sacred embrace,Honoring…
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Chapter 17–The Path to Infinite Wisdom: Embracing the Teachings of the Enlightened One
Again, Ajita, consider the person who, after hearing these teachings about the infinite lifespan of the Enlightened One, grasps, delves into, and comprehends them. Such a person will generate an even more vast accumulation of spiritual virtue, leading to the wisdom of a Buddha. And it goes without saying that the merit is even greater…
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Chapter 17–The Boundless Virtue of Faith
The Lord then spoke to Maitreya, the great spiritual leader: “Ajita, consider those who, during the teachings about the infinite lifespan of the Enlightened One, even if they felt a single moment of trust or belief in it. Can you fathom the immense virtue they will attain, whether young men or women of noble character?…
Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra 