Lotus Sutra (Miao fa lian hua jing) - Sixi Tripitaka Edition

At that time, the World-Honored One World-Honored One: An English translation of the Sanskrit term Bhagavan, the most common title for the Buddha, denoting one who is revered by all beings throughout the universe. was surrounded by the fourfold assembly This refers to the core community of Buddhist practitioners: monks (bhikshus), nuns (bhikshunis), laymen (upasakas), and laywomen (upasikas).. They offered him gifts, showed him reverence, and held him in deep respect and praise.

For the sake of the various Bodhisattvas Bodhisattva: A being who seeks enlightenment not just for themselves, but for the sake of all living beings., he preached the Great Vehicle Great Vehicle: Also known as Mahayana, this school of Buddhism emphasizes the universal potential for Buddhahood. sutra titled "Immeasurable Meanings" original: Wuliang yi; this serves as a preparatory teaching that precedes the Lotus Sutra itself., a teaching intended for Bodhisattvas and a doctrine protected and kept in mind by the Buddhas.

When the Buddha had finished speaking this sutra, he sat in the full lotus position A cross-legged meditative posture with each foot placed on the opposite thigh, symbolizing stability and purity. and entered into the Samadhi Samadhi: A state of intense concentration or meditative absorption where the mind becomes perfectly still and unified. of the Place of Immeasurable Meanings, his body and mind remaining entirely motionless.

At this time, the heavens rained down Mandarava flowers, Great Mandarava flowers, Manjushaka flowers, and Great Manjushaka flowers These are celestial blossoms described in Buddhist cosmology that symbolize divine approval and auspiciousness. Mandarava are typically white coral-tree flowers, while Manjushaka are vibrant crimson blossoms., scattering them over the Buddha and the entire great assembly.