Category: Chapter 24
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The Higher You Climb, The Lower You Must Bow: An Ancient Buddhist Warning on the Perils of Progress
Introduction: The Hidden Trap of Self-Improvement It’s a natural human tendency. After months of discipline, we achieve a long-sought goal—a promotion at work, a new level of fitness, a consistent spiritual practice. In that moment of success, a subtle feeling can arise: a sense of superiority, a quiet judgment of those who haven’t achieved the…
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The Ancient Greeting That’s a Mirror for Your Mind
The question hangs in the air for a moment—”How are you?”—before the inevitable, weightless response arrives: “Fine, thanks.” This daily ritual of greeting is often a social script, a polite exchange that barely scratches the surface of our true state of being. But what if a simple hello could be a profound tool for self-reflection?…
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The Unveiling of Universal Wisdom in the Lotus Sūtra
I. Introduction: The Lotus Sūtra and the Bodhisattva Ideal The Lotus Sūtra (Saddharmapundarika-sutra) is a foundational and highly influential text in East Asian Buddhism, composed between the 1st century BCE and 2nd century CE. It is widely considered the final and complete teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, aiming for the enlightenment of all sentient beings and…
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Verses of Illumination
Subject: Analysis of “Akshayamati’s Ode to Avalokitesvara,” focusing on its portrayal of Avalokitesvara and related Buddhist concepts. Source: Excerpts from “The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law,” by William Altig, Chapter 24c – Verses of Illumination: Akshayamati’s Ode to Avalokitesvara Executive Summary: This chapter presents a powerful ode to Avalokitesvara, a Bodhisattva…
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Echoes of Compassion: Verses on the Infinite Mercy of Avalokitesvara
Subject: Analysis of Verses on Avalokitesvara’s Mercy Source: Excerpt from Chapter 24b, “Echoes of Compassion: Verses on the Infinite Mercy of Avalokitesvara” 1. Overview This document summarizes the core themes and ideas presented in a series of verses dedicated to Avalokitesvara, a Bodhisattva revered for boundless compassion. The verses emphasize the power of invoking Avalokitesvara’s…
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The Infinite Mercy of Avalokitesvara
Subject: Analysis of Excerpts on Avalokitesvara from the Lotus Sutra . Purpose: To provide a detailed overview of the central ideas, attributes, and significance of Avalokitesvara as depicted in the text. Key Themes & Ideas: Conclusion: The excerpts paint a picture of Avalokitesvara as a powerful and compassionate Bodhisattva, deeply engaged in the world to…
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Chapter 24c–Verses of Illumination: Akshayamati’s Ode to Avalokitesvara
Then Akshayamati, with joy in his heart, uttered the following verses: O thou with eyes so clear and kind,Wisdom, knowledge, compassion combined,Lovely in face and in eyes divine,Pity and grace in thee intertwine. Pure one, shining, free from night,Radiant as sun’s unyielding light,Blaze of fire, thy course a grace,Spreading thy luster all through space. Joyous…
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Chapter 24b–Echoes of Compassion: Verses on the Infinite Mercy of Avalokitesvara
And at that profound moment, the Lord expressed his thoughts through the following verses: Kitradhvaga questioned with mind so unsealed,“Why is Avalokitesvara so named and revealed?” Akshayamati, with insight’s deep ocean vast,Replied to Kitradhvaga, “Listen to the past: Learn from my words, see how the vow was fulfilled,Through inconceivable eons, and Buddhas instilled. To hear,…
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Chapter 24a–The Infinite Mercy of Avalokitesvara
Akshayamati stood before the Lord, whose name translates to Inexhaustible Awareness. His upper robe draped over one shoulder, his hands joined in adoration, he posed a question filled with curiosity: “O Lord, why does this particular name know the great and compassionate Bodhisattva Mahasattva Avalokitesvara?” The Lord responded with a tone of profound wisdom: “Inexhaustible…
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Day 24 of Our 28-Day Challenge to Read the Lotus Sutra
Chapter 24 of the Lotus Sutra is a key part of our reading challenge 📚, and it introduces us to a magical being named Bodhisattva Wonderful Music 🎶. This being has some special abilities, like the power to change into different forms 🔄 to help everyone in our world 🌍 (which is called the Saha…
Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra 