Tag: vows

• The Empowering Presence and Protection of Universal-Sage Bodhisattva in the Lotus Sūtra

  

  This briefing document reviews the main themes and important ideas surrounding Universal-Sage Bodhisattva (Samantabhadra/Fugen) as presented in the concluding chapter of the Lotus Sūtra, “Encouragement of Universal-Sage Bodhisattva.” It addresses the nature of his vow, the role of dhāraṇīs and “supernatural powers,” the significance of Jambudvīpa, and the enduring legacy of these teachings in various…

  William Altig

  September 17, 2025

  Chapter 28, The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law

  Abhijñā, Avalokiteśvara, Bhaiṣajyarāja, Bodhisattva, Buddha-nature, Dharma, Dhāraṇī, Divine Aid, Enlightenment, External Aid, Fugen, Higher Knowledges, Internal Cultivation, Jambudvīpa, karma, Kōsen-rufu, Lotus Sūtra, Mañjuśrī, Mahāyāna Buddhism, Meditative Aid, Mnemonic Device, Mount Meru, Nichiren Buddhism, Parinirvāṇa, Practice (Caryā), protection, Protective Incantation, Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra, Samantabhadra, Six Perfections, Six Tusks, Skillful means (Upāya), spiritual energy, supernatural powers, Tendai school, Tiantai School, Universal-Sage Bodhisattva, vows, White Elephant, Śākyamuni Buddha

• The Profound Significance of Respecting the Keeper of the Lotus Sutra: An Analysis of the Buddha’s Instruction to Universal-Sage Bodhisattva

  

  The Lotus Sutra, revered as the “king of sutras” within Mahayana Buddhism 1, holds a central position due to its revolutionary teaching that all beings, without exception, possess the inherent potential to attain Buddhahood.2 This profound scripture culminates in Chapter 28, titled “The Encouragement of Bodhisattva Universally Worthy,” where the Buddha imparts crucial instructions regarding…

  William Altig

  April 16, 2025

  Chapter 28

  Bodhisattva Ideal, Buddha-nature, Buddhahood, Chapter 28, Compassion, Dharma, Enlightenment, ethics, karma, keeper of the sutra, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana Buddhism, Merit, Nichiren Buddhism, non-violence, parinirvana, respect, Shakyamuni Buddha, spiritual community, teachings, Theravada Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Universal-Sage Bodhisattva, virtue, vows, Zen Buddhism