Most sutras begin this way; generally means “I have heard in this way.” Lotus Sutra thought to mean “I have heard THIS” Oral tradition, not usually well recognized in western cultures; however, long tradition exist in other parts of the world; “I” represents disciple who originally heard this sutra and transmitted it orally before set down in writing. Thought to be Ananda, one of the ten great disciples
[1] 12,000 arhats, Lesser Vehicle teachings; [2] 2,000 sravakas (hearers) som eof whom had something more to learn, others nothing more to learn; [3] Sakyamuni’s foster mother Prajapati, former wife Yasodhara plus 6,000 women; [4] 80,000 bodhisattvas; [5] 72,000 angels; [6] 8 dragon-kings with hundreds of thousands of attendants; [7] kimnara-kings (heavenly musicians) and numerous attendants; [8] Gandharva-kings (heavenly musicians) from the heaven of 33 celestial cities and numerous attendants; [9 ] fierce asura-kings (spirits of strife and turmoil) plus attendants; [10] winged garuda-kings, enemies of dragons plus attendants; [11] King Ajatasatru, ruler of Magadha (where Mt. Sacred Eagle is located) who had seized the throne by murdering his own father, accompanied by his court
The Ray of Light from Buddha revealed variety of living beings in the six realms [other worlds] sravakas [hearers], pratyakebuddhas; [self-instructed sages] and bodhisattvas WHY? Buddha is preparing to expound a great teaching
= a memorial service expressing appreciation to ancestors; held twice a year at spring and autumn equinoxes; Denotes Buddha’s teaching of the Middle Way [chu - not to exceed one way or the other]
One who has come from the world of truth one who understands the world One who deserves offerings, religious one who is surpasses all others One who knows everything perfectly one who trains/instructs men One who sees truth, walks the way satisfactorily one who teaches gods and men One who has gone to world of enlightenment one who is honored by people of the world
Sravaka = understands by listening/reasoning Pratyakebuddha = one who understands by oneself or one who can apply Buddhism in daily life Bodhisattava = one who seeks Enlightenment and tries to help others attain Buddhahood