Daily Dharma for April 19, 2026

20260419-ddi

Illustration by Google Gemini

Show Gemini's thinking

Gemini Thinking

Here is an illustration depicting the scene from Chapter Twelve of the Lotus Sūtra. At the top sits Śākyamuni Buddha, the teacher of the Dharma. To the left is the Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī, who has just called forth the six-year-old daughter of the dragon-king Sāgara. You can see her in the foreground, with her spiritual transformation and sudden enlightenment indicated by the subtle golden aura. Also included are members of the skeptical congregation witnessing this extraordinary event.

The kanji in the upper left corner of the image read 法華経 提婆達多品.

Here is the translation:

法華経 (Hokkekyō): The Lotus Sutra

提婆達多品 (Daibadatta-hon): The Devadatta Chapter (Chapter 12)

The kanji signature and hanko seal (双子座 / ジェミニ) are placed subtly in the bottom right corner as requested.

Only you know that I [am qualified to] attain Bodhi
Because I heard [the Dharma].
I will expound the teachings of the Great Vehicle
And save all living beings from suffering.

These verses are sung to Śākyamuni Buddha by the six-year-old daughter of the dragon-king Sāgara in Chapter Twelve of the Lotus Sūtra. She appeared before the congregation when called by the Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī from whom she had been taught the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sūtra. Most of those gathered did not believe that such a young creature, much less a female, could reach the same enlightenment as the Buddha. But then before their eyes, she made all the transformations necessary and began to teach the Wonderful Dharma herself.

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