Tag: Tathagata
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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–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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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.…
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Chapter 7–Divine Convocation: A Visualization of the Lotus Sutra’s Celestial Grandeur
Thereupon, monks, the great Brahma angels in the fifty hundred thousand myriads of kotis of spheres, mounted their own divine aerial cars, took with them divine bags filled with celestial flowers, and followed the trail of splendor and glory through the quarters until they arrived at the destined location. There, they beheld the Lord Mahabhignagnanabhibhu…
Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra 