Tag: Spiritual Journey
-
Chapter 7–The Journey of Enlightenment: Verses from the Lotus Sutra’s Path of Wisdom
To further clarify this teaching, the Lord then expressed his thoughts through the following verses: A Leader, wise, whose name’s adorned,In truth’s terrace was he formed,Ten kalpas sought, but not enlightened,Still the essence he had sighted. Gods and Nāgas, demons bright,Showered flowers on the site,Where enlightenment was gained,Honoring the Jina, unchained. Cymbals high they beat…
-
Chapter 7–The Singular Path to Nirvana: The Tathagata’s Guiding Illusion in the Forest of Delusion
When the Tathagata perceives that the moment for his total extinction is near and observes that the assembly is pure, faithful, immersed in the law of emptiness, devoted to meditation and profound contemplation, then the Tathagata, recognizing the appropriate time, gathers all Bodhisattvas and disciples to instruct them thus: In this world, monks, there is…
-
Chapter 7–The Cosmic Assembly of Tathagatas: A Pantheon of Perfect Enlightenment
I proclaim to you, monks, with utmost certainty, that the sixteen youthful princes who served as novices and interpreters of the law under the Lord’s guidance have all reached the pinnacle of supreme, perfect enlightenment. They now reside in various Buddha-lands across the vastness of space, each one preaching the law to countless disciples and…
-
Chapter 7–The Profound Impact of the Sixteen Novices: Spreading the Lotus of the True Law
After twenty thousand ages had passed, the Tathagata, seeing the earnest prayer of these novices, revealed a profound teaching known as ‘the Lotus of the True Law.’ This extensive text was a guide for those aspiring to become Bodhisattvas and was considered suitable for all enlightened beings. The teaching was shared with a diverse audience,…
-
Chapter 7–The Unveiling of the Wheel of Dharma: A Journey through the 12-Fold Chain of Causation
Thereupon, monks, those fifty hundred thousand myriads of kotis of Brahma angels addressed the Lord, with one voice, in common chorus, with the following two verses. Unsurpassed wheel, roll forward, begin the beatOf the immortal drum, release from evils’ deceit,From hundreds of sorrows set all beings free,Show the path of Nirvana, the way to eternity.…
-
Chapter 7–The Divine Petition and Cosmic Illumination
After offering their praises and celestial vehicles, the great Brahma angels, monks, stood before the Lord Mahabhignagnanabhibhu (Great-Knowledge-and-Dominance) , the Tathagata, with a heartfelt plea. Their voices rang out with a deep longing: “May the Lord set in motion the wheel of the law! May the Lord preach final rest! May the Lord release all…
-
Chapter 6–The Epoch of Tamalapatrakandanagandha: Maha-Maudgalyayana’s Journey to Buddhahood
The Master once again addressed the gathered monks: I want to share with you, monks, that the senior Maha-Maudgalyayana, my disciple here, will pay homage to twenty-eight thousand Buddhas. He will show them various kinds of respect, honor, reverence, veneration, and devotion. After passing these enlightened ones, he will erect stupas—monumental towers made from seven…
-
Chapter 6–Subhuti’s Cosmic Pilgrimage to Enlightenment
Understanding the thoughts burgeoning in the minds of his senior disciples, the Master once more spoke to the gathered monks: This eminent disciple of mine, monks, the senior Subhuti, will also embark on a spiritual journey. He will pay homage to countless Buddhas, numbering into the trillions; he will show them respect, honor, reverence, veneration,…
-
Chapter 3–The Singular Path or Sariputta’s Realization and Elation
Sariputta’s Realization and Elation: A serene forest with ancient trees and sunlight filtering through leaves. A stream flows, reflecting the sky. Sariputta, an Asian monk in traditional robes, stands with a radiant face, hands clasped. Ghostly memories of him in contemplation appear around. Above, shimmering golden words form his verse. In the background, a glowing…
-
Chapter 2–Unveiling the Universal Path of Enlightenment
An ancient assembly with monks and disciples seated in concentric circles around the central figure of the Buddha, who is radiating a soft, serene light. Faces in the assembly are illuminated by this glow, reflecting awe and reverence. Sāriputta, depicted with distinct robes and features, sits closest to the Buddha. He leans forward, eyes full…
Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra 