What is the Lotus Sutra about? The status and value ofthe Lotus Sutra in Buddhism The significance of the Lotus Sutra for modern sentient beings Preface Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Expedient Means Chapter 3: Simile and Parable Chapter 4: Belief and Understanding Chapter 5: The Parable of the Medicinal Herbs Chapter 6: Bestowal of … Read more
Chapter 28. Encouragement of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (part 2) We have finished discussing the twenty-eight chapters, but a few chapters in the middle were skipped: the predictions of enlightenment for all the Bodhisattvas and all the Sravaka disciples, as well as the merits we gain from studying the Lotus Sutra. Let us look at these merits … Read more
Chapter 28. Encouragement of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (part 1) We have now reached the final chapter of the Lotus Sutra, where Samantabhadra Bodhisattva appears. A great Bodhisattva and a great protector, Samantabhadra is renowned among the great Bodhisattvas for his supernatural mastery and majestic virtue. He possesses Ten Great Vows, which serve as a model for … Read more
Chapter 27. Former Affairs of King Wonderful Adornment This chapter recounts the story of King Resplendent’s cultivation. During the era of a Buddha named King Cloud-Thunder-Sound- Constellation-Flower-Wisdom, there lived a king named Resplendent. At that time, he practiced non-Buddhist paths and was not a follower of the Buddha. He had two sons who were believers … Read more
Chapter 26. Dharani “Dharani” means “total retention” or “summary.” All eighty-four thousand Dharma gates can be called Dharani gates. In esoteric Buddhism, all mantras are generally called Dharani mantras; they signify holding the good and suppressing the evil. This chapter primarily features the Bodhisattvas in the assembly reciting mantras to protect the Dharma teachers who … Read more
Chapter 25. The Universal Gateway of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Following the causal conditions of the previous chapter, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara makes his appearance. At that time, Bodhisattva Infinite Intent rose from his seat and asked Shakyamuni Buddha, “World-Honored One, by what causes and conditions is Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara so named?” Shakyamuni Buddha replied to Bodhisattva Infinite Intent: “Good … Read more
This chapter is about Gadgadasvara (Wonderful Sound) Bodhisattva. The final few chapters all describe the deeds of several great Bodhisattvas. Actually, the Lotus Sutra is very simple. You see, the first part consists of the Buddha bestowing predictions of enlightenment upon his disciples, while the Small Vehicle disciples continuously share their realizations. Then the Buddha … Read more
Chapter 23. Former Affairs of Medicine King Bodhisattva This chapter recounts the past deeds of Medicine King Bodhisattva as told by the Buddha during the Lotus Assembly. In the era of the Buddha Sun Moon Pure Bright Virtue—immeasurable kalpas ago— this Bodhisattva was named “Gladly Seen by All Beings.” After hearing the Lotus Sutra, he … Read more
Chapter 21. The Spiritual Powers of the Tathagata At this point in the assembly, a multitude of great Bodhisattvas, numbering like the dust motes of a thousand worlds, surged forth from the earth. They stood before Shakyamuni Buddha, palms joined, gazing intently at the World-Honored One, and said: “After your parinirvana, we vow to receive, … Read more
Chapter 17. Distinction of Merits In this chapter, the Buddha states that if we hear these teachings without doubt, we will gain immense merit. If one hears of the long life span of the Tathagata and understands its profound meaning, the merit they obtain will be limitless, and they will certainly open the same unexcelled … Read more
