-
Chapter 10–The Glory of the Preacher

And in that moment, the Lord spoke these verses: Seeker of truth, aspiring to be wise,Honor the keepers of this sacred prize;The path to Buddhahood, the knowledge of Self,Is found in the doctrine they lovingly shelf. Desire for all-knowing, longing to see,Learn this Sūtra’s words or honor those who decree;A quest for wisdom, a journey…
-
Chapter 10–The Path to Supreme Enlightenment: A Guiding Light for Seekers

The Lord then turned to Bhaishajya Rāja, known as the Medicine King, addressing the eighty thousand great spiritual beings, Bodhisattvas Mahasattvas. He asked, “Do you see, Bhaishajya Rāja, the many gods, mythical serpents, mischievous beings, celestial musicians, obstacles to enlightenment, eagle-like protectors, harmonious creatures, and powerful serpents in this gathering? Do you see the men,…
-
Chapter 9–Joy and Enlightenment in the Lotus Sutra

Upon hearing the Lord’s direct prophecies concerning their destinies, the disciples, both those still on their journey and those fully realized, were filled with joy and exultation. Their hearts swelled with happiness, and their spirits soared with delight. With gratitude and reverence, they turned to the Lord, expressing their feelings in these inspired verses: O…
-
Chapter 9–The Prophesy of the Enlightenment of the Two Thousand Disciples

The Lord looked once more at those two thousand disciples, some still on their journey and others fully realized, all gazing up at him with calm, gentle, and peaceful minds. Then he spoke to the venerable Ānanda: “Do you see, Ānanda, these two thousand monks, some still learning and some who have arrived?” “I do,…
-
Chapter 9–Rāhula’s Destiny: A Reflection of the Lotus Sutra

Then the Lord turned to the venerable Rāhula-Bhadra and spoke: “Rāhula, in the future, you shall become a Tathāgata, an enlightened one, known by the name ‘The One Going with the Striding Seven-Jeweled Lotus’11[1], an Arhat, endowed with wisdom and virtuous conduct. After honoring and venerating several Tathāgatas equal to the atoms of ten worlds,…
-
Chapter 9–Ānanda’s Revelation: Recollecting the Path to Supreme Enlightenment

In the gathering were eight thousand Bodhisattvas, new to the path, and a thought arose within them: “We’ve never before witnessed such an extraordinary prophecy for Bodhisattvas, let alone disciples. What could be the reason? What drives this moment?” Sensing their thoughts, the Lord addressed them: “Young seekers of truth, both Ānanda and I conceived…
-
Chapter 9–Prophecies of Enlightenment: The Destined Path of Ānanda, Rāhula, and the Two Thousand

At that moment, the venerable Ānanda (Joy/Bliss) was filled with anticipation, wondering if he and the others would receive a similar prophecy. Driven by this thought, he stood, bowed at the Lord’s feet, and spoke these heartfelt words. The venerable Rāhula (Fetter/Bond) also, feeling the same stirrings of hope, bowed before the Lord and pleaded,…
-
Chapter 8–The Destiny of the Twelve Hundred Arhats: Foretold by the Tathagata

At that moment, the twelve hundred self-disciplined Arhats were filled with wonder and curiosity. They thought, “We are amazed and bewildered. Will the Tathagata predict our future destiny as he did for the other great disciples?” Sensing their thoughts, the Lord spoke to the venerable Maha-Kassapa, saying, “I see these twelve hundred self-disciplined Arhats face…
-
Chapter 8–The Hidden Jewel of Enlightenment

Upon hearing the Lord’s display of wisdom and his mysterious instruction about the future destinies of the great Disciples, Purna, son of Maitrayani, felt wonder and awe. He was thrilled, filled with pure-hearted delight and joy. Rising from his seat, he prostrated himself before the Lord’s feet and reflected on the remarkable teachings he had…
