Hello, everyone. Welcome to this episode of the podcast provided by the Buddhas’ Practice Incorporated of Australia.
Today, we continue our exploration of the Lotus Sutra, delving into Chapters 9 and 10.
First, let’s look at Chapter 9, “The Predictions for Those Who Still Have More to Learn and for Those Who Do Not.” As the name suggests, this chapter is where the Buddha bestows the prediction of future Buddhahood upon disciples who are still in the process of learning, as well as those who have already attained Arhatship.
1. Ānanda: Foremost in Learning, Preserver of the Dharma
The Buddha gives Ānanda his prediction: “Ānanda, in a future world, you shall become a Buddha with the name Mountain Sea Wisdom Unrestricted Power King Tathāgata.”
Upon hearing this, Ānanda is filled with a joy he has never experienced before. He immediately recalls the Dharma treasuries of countless past buddhas that he has upheld, now fully understanding his original vow to preserve the Dharma.
2. Rāhula: The Buddha’s Son, with a Secret Practice for Guiding Beings
Next, the Buddha tells Rāhula: “Rāhula, in a future world, you shall become a Buddha with the name Stepping on Seven Treasure Flowers Tathāgata.”
The Buddha then explains: “Only I know of Rāhula’s secret practice. He has manifested as my eldest son to guide countless beings. In the future, he will make offerings to innumerable buddhas and serve as their eldest son, ultimately achieving the highest path to Buddhahood.”
3. The Two Thousand Śrāvakas: Simultaneous Buddhahood, One Shared Name
Finally, the Buddha tells Ānanda: “These two thousand disciples, both with and without more to learn, will all simultaneously become buddhas in the ten directions, sharing the single name: Jewel Sign Tathāgata.”
Now, let’s turn to Chapter 10, “The Expounder of the Dharma.” This chapter is where the Buddha gives the highest praise and protection to anyone who upholds, recites, explains, or copies the Lotus Sutra. The Buddha tells us that the merits and protection received by those who propagate this sutra are simply inconceivable.
1. Inconceivable Merits of Propagating the Sutra
The Buddha first declares to Medicine King Bodhisattva that whether in his lifetime or after his passing, anyone who hears even a single verse or line of the Lotus Sutra, and feels even a moment of joy, will receive a prediction of inevitable Buddhahood.
He further explains that anyone who can uphold, recite, explain, or copy this sutra, and respectfully treats the scroll as they would the Buddha himself, has already made offerings to countless buddhas in the past. They have fulfilled their great vows in the presence of those buddhas and have chosen to be born into this human world out of compassion for all beings, in order to extensively preach the Lotus Sutra.
The Buddha even says that if someone were to ask, “Who will become a Buddha in the future?” we should point to those who uphold, recite, explain, and copy the Lotus Sutra. This is because they are the manifestations of great Bodhisattvas who have voluntarily given up their pure lands to be reborn in this defiled world to benefit all beings.
The Buddha also points out that even if one secretly explains just one line of the Lotus Sutra to a single person, they are already an emissary of the Tathāgata, performing the Buddha’s work.
2. The Majesty and Protection of the Reciter
The Buddha emphasizes that those who recite the Lotus Sutra are adorned with the majesty of the Buddha himself and are carried on the shoulders of the Tathāgata. Wherever they go, we should face that direction to bow, show respect, and make offerings, because hearing them speak for even a moment plants the seed for ultimate Buddhahood.
The Buddha uses a powerful contrast to highlight the immense merit of propagating the sutra: the sin of a person who harbors an evil mind and curses the Buddha for an entire eon is relatively light. However, the sin of a person who speaks a single evil word to a layperson or ordained person who upholds the Lotus Sutra is far more grave.
Likewise, praising the Buddha with countless verses brings immeasurable merit, but praising one who upholds the Lotus Sutra brings even greater blessings.
3. Entering the Tathāgata’s Abode, Wearing His Robes, and Sitting on His Seat
The Buddha tells us that the Lotus Sutra is the most difficult of all sutras to believe and comprehend, as it is the secret treasury of all buddhas. It is difficult to believe because it directly reveals the true meaning of the Single Vehicle of Buddhahood.
Finally, the Buddha reveals the three majestic virtues of a Dharma expounder:
Entering the Tathāgata’s Abode: To practice great compassion for all beings.
Wearing the Tathāgata’s Robes: To possess a heart of gentleness and patience.
Sitting on the Tathāgata’s Seat: To abide in the state of the emptiness of all things.
Only by embodying these three virtues can one be a true emissary of the Tathāgata and a great Bodhisattva, willingly born into this world to preach the Lotus Sutra for the sake of all beings. The Buddha promises that even if a Dharma expounder is alone in a secluded place, he will send celestial beings to listen, and will even appear himself to personally bless them and guide them if they forget any part of the text.
Thank you.
