Overall Teaching

The true, immeasurable power of a bodhisattva arises not from physical strength or worldly attainments, but from inexhaustible compassion, pure faith, and diligent practice of the Dharma. Through the symbolism of Vajrapāṇi’s vajra mallet—light for the humble, heavy for the arrogant—the Buddha shows that bodhisattva power surpasses all conventional measures and is sustained by humility, kindness, and liberation from afflictions. Ultimately, such power is directed toward benefiting beings and upholding the Triple Gem, even for those burdened with grave past errors.

Summary

1. Vajrapāṇi's Vajra Mallet

   • Vajrapāṇi Bodhisattva holds a mysterious vajra mallet, and King Ajātaśatru questions its weight. Vajrapāṇi explains its dual nature: heavy to discipline arrogant sentient beings and light to promote humility. Vajrapāṇi demonstrates the mallet as extremely heavy, causing natural disturbances when dropped. King Ajātaśatru and Śakra, Lord of the Devas, when challenged, both fail to lift it. Buddha explains the mallet's weight surpasses even Sumeru, the King of Mountains.

   • Venerable Mahāmaudgalyāyana, known for great power, also fails to lift it. Buddha indicates only the power of a bodhisattva can move it. Mahāmaudgalyāyana acknowledges Vajrapāṇi's incredible strength. Buddha distinguishes between birth-given power (which is limited and measurable) and a bodhisattva's inexhaustible supernormal power. Vajrapāṇi effortlessly picks up and throws the mallet using his power. The assembly praises Vajrapāṇi's exceptional strength and wishes all sentient beings to attain such power.

2. King Ajātaśatru's Questions

   • King Ajātaśatru questions the Buddha about various Dharma practices and their outcomes. The Buddha explains that to attain superior power, bodhisattvas should practice ten Dharmas, including humility, aiding those in need, and respecting Buddha images. For the freedom to proceed towards the Dharma of freedom, 8 Dharmas are needed, such as speaking kindly and mastering the mind. To abide in freedom, 4 Dharmas are practised, all of which are wishing to meet a Buddha in the world, regardless of how lofty one's birth is.

   • In a long question and answer exchange, the Buddha explains the "end" or result of various practices, e.g., the end of giving is great riches; the end of pure faith is a good and virtuous friend, etc. The Buddha emphasises the importance of great compassion and pure faith, never attaching to enjoyments, or rejecting the Triple Gem. This is accomplished by removing afflictions. King Ajātaśatru acknowledges his past errors (e.g. his patricide), asks for the Buddha's help to overcome them, and praises both the Buddha and the Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī (referring to events in the King Ajātaśatru Sūtra).