Emphasizing Personal Practice
The Lotus Sutra is one of the most profound texts of the Mahayana tradition. Unlike the early sutras, which often present the Buddha in dialogue with students, the Lotus Sutra is filled with sweeping stories, symbols, and archetypes. These stories invite us not to ask whether they literally happened, but rather what they can offer our own practice today.
The Story of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging
In the 20th chapter, we meet Bodhisattva Never Disparaging — a figure who did not meditate, teach sutras, or perform rituals. Instead, his practice was simple: to look at every person he encountered, bow deeply, and say, “I honor and revere you. I would never disparage you, for I know that one day you will be a Buddha.”
He offered this to all — the kind and the cruel, the rich and the poor, the wise and the foolish. Most people dismissed him as foolish or even became angry, throwing insults or stones. Yet he remained undeterred, retreating to a safe distance if needed, and repeating his vow. His practice was unwavering: to see Buddha nature in everyone.
The Power of Reverence
Though many rejected him, some felt their hearts shift upon hearing his words or watching his reverence. In time, the story tells us, Bodhisattva Never Disparaging intuited the entirety of the Lotus Sutra on his deathbed and attained liberation. Yet even then, he remained dedicated to the liberation of all beings.
The story is told by the historical Buddha himself, who reveals at its close: “That was me.”
Practicing in Our Own Time
This archetype continues to inspire. To see each person — even in a divided, hostile world — as sharing the same root of awareness is radical practice. It asks us to resist objectifying others as enemies or obstacles, and instead remember their precious humanity and shared Buddha nature.
Of course, boundaries are still important. Bodhisattva Never Disparaging sometimes had to step back for safety, but even then he never relinquished his vow. His example reminds us that reverence and discernment can coexist.
Honoring the Buddha in Everyone
Bodhisattva Never Disparaging is not just a character in a story — he is an archetype we can carry into our own lives. Each of us has the capacity to look at another and remember: You, too, are a Buddha.
This practice transforms the way we meet others, dissolving division and revealing our shared root. The invitation is simple: honor what is already true — in yourself, and in everyone you meet.
Think of a person in your life you currently find most challenging or difficult to deal with. What simple, silent internal phrase of honor or reverence could you offer them this week to gently acknowledge their shared Buddha nature, even if you must maintain a safe boundary?
