Tag: Storytelling
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Chapter 15–The Boundless Assembly: A Cosmic Gathering of Wisdom and Time
From distant realms, a massive gathering of great Bodhisattvas arrived, each embodying the virtue of enlightenment. Eight groups, each as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, stood up from the assembly. With hands joined in reverence, they addressed the Lord: “Should you allow us, O Lord, we too wish to carry forth your…
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Chapter 14–Safe and Peaceful Practices
To shed further light on this subject, the Enlightened One spoke the following verses on that occasion: Displaying charity’s might with care,Compassion’s embrace for all to share,The Sugatas affirm with gentle stare,This exalted Sūtra, rich and rare. Laymen, friars, seekers at time’s end,Embrace charity’s strength, do not contend,Lest the law’s rejection they portend,Its wisdom’s embrace…
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Chapter 14–The Pure Intent of the Wise Preacher
The Lord said this, and then the Sugata, the Master, continued with the following: The wise one, the preacher, with intent so pure,Renounces falsehood, pride, envy for sure,Calumny and malice, they set aside,On a path of truth and humility, they abide. No disparaging words do they ever speak,No disputes on belief, no fault to seek,“You…
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Chapter 14–The Virtuous Path of the Great Spiritual Seeker
Again, Mañjuśrī, the Great Spiritual Seeker (Bodhisattva Mahāsattva) who lives after the passing away of the Enlightened One (Tathāgata) at the end of time when the true teachings are in decline, is characterized by a lack of envy, dishonesty, or deceit. The one who upholds this Sūtra does not speak ill of other spiritual seekers…
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Chapter 14–The Graceful Proclamation of Wisdom
At that moment, the Lord recited the following verses: The wise man, always at ease,Preaches the law with graceful peace,Seated high on a pulpit prepared,On a spot clean, pretty, and declared. Adorned in a robe of red, so fine,Dyed with colors, a black woolen line,A long undergarment, a dress so neat,His appearance is humble, yet…
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Chapter 14–Mañjuśrī’s Tranquil Dissemination of Wisdom
Further, Mañjuśrī, the Great Spiritual Seeker (Bodhisattva Mahāsattva) who, after the complete passing away of the Enlightened One (Tathāgata) at the end of time, during the last five hundred years when the true teachings are in decline, intends to share this Spiritual Teaching (Dharmaparyāya), must be in a calm and peaceful state of mind. Whether…
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Chapter 14–Guidelines for the Bodhisattva’s Conduct in Adversity
To elaborate on this subject in more depth, the Lord recited the subsequent verses: In times to come, dreadful and vast,The Bodhisattva, firm and steadfast,Wishes to share this Sūtra’s lore,Undaunted, unabashed, forevermore. His course and sphere he must embrace,With purity and retired grace,Kings and princes he must evade,His spiritual path must not be swayed. No…
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Chapter 11–The Revelation of the Stūpa of Abundant Jewels
At that moment, a wise and compassionate being known as Mahapratibhana, or “Great Eloquence,” turned his gaze to the world—filled with gods, men, and mystical beings—and asked the Lord, “O Master, what has brought forth this stunning tower of precious gems? What is the reason for its magnificent appearance? Whose voice resonates from within its…
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Chapter 11–The Call
Then there arose a Stūpa, a sacred symbol of the Buddhist path, from the place of the earth opposite the Lord, with the assembly gathered in the middle. This Stūpa, constructed of seven precious substances, reached a majestic height of five hundred yojanas and was proportionally vast in circumference. Its structure, imbued with spiritual significance,…
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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,…
Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra 