The Gandavyūha-sūtra, which is a segment of the expansive and illustrious Avataṃsaka Sūtra, narrates an allegorical journey undertaken by a “son of good family” named Sudhana. The esteemed Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī identifies him amidst a multitude of worshipers as an individual who possesses the spiritual readiness to commence the final phase of the journey toward Enlightenment. The Great Bodhisattva commissions him to embark on a pilgrimage to meet over fifty Good Friends, or kalyānamitras, who serve as spiritual guides, to seek their guidance in the Conduct of the Bodhisattva. These sagacious mentors hail from diverse backgrounds, including a notable representation of women and non-Buddhists.
Ultimately, his quest culminates in the majestic “Tower of Maitreya”. Sudhana opens the door and steps into what Maitreya refers to as “the unobstructed realm” or “the realm of unimpeded knowledge,” known as the Dharmadhātu. Upon his arrival in this space, he observes that it encompasses all spaces and all worlds, while simultaneously, all worlds encompass this space. To enter the realm of the Dharma is to enter all realms and, furthermore, to perceive all realms.
This video encapsulates assoted moments of this remarkable and bold spiritual journey.
Maitreya’s Tower
Both music and images are my own AI creations.
Track Selection
Sutra Assembly and Beyond: 00:00
Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi: 02:10
Luminous Jewels: 04:22
A Sacred Place: 06:32
Maitreya: 08:46
Cosmic Environs: 10:57
Spiritual Friends and Tower Comsummation: 13:06