Part A — Traditional Summary (Text-Based)

In Chapter 20, the Buddha recounts a past-life story of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging (常不轻菩萨). This bodhisattva did not engage in formal preaching or doctrinal exposition. Instead, whenever he encountered monks, nuns, laymen, or laywomen, he would bow respectfully and declare:
“I deeply respect you; I do not dare disparage you, for you will all become Buddhas.”

Many people reacted with anger, ridicule, verbal abuse, and even physical violence. Despite this, Never Disparaging persisted without resentment, maintaining respect and patience. Toward the end of his life, he heard the Lotus Sutra, gained clarity of the six faculties, and later attained Buddhahood. The Buddha reveals that he himself was Never Disparaging in a past life.

Part C — Core Lesson Takeaways (With Chinese Terms)

1. Non-disparagement is recognition of future Buddhahood (不轻即信佛性)
   Respect arises from insight, not politeness.

2. Conduct itself can be Dharma teaching (行即是法)
   Embodiment may surpass explanation.

3. Hostility often arises when ego is challenged (慢心被触则生恼)
   Resistance confirms the teaching’s depth.

4. Patience here is relational, not passive (忍为不退之行)
   It sustains respect under abuse.

5. Faith in others’ Buddhahood purifies one’s own mind (信他成佛净自心)
   View transforms karma.

6. The One Vehicle is lived through respect (一乘行显于敬)
   Universality is practiced, not proclaimed.

Key Characters / Beings (English + Chinese)

• Śākyamuni Buddha — 释迦牟尼佛
  Reveals his past life as Never Disparaging.

• Never Disparaging Bodhisattva — 常不轻菩萨
  Embodies the One Vehicle through conduct.

• Monks, Nuns, Laymen, Laywomen — 比丘、比丘尼、优婆塞、优婆夷
  Recipients of respect, often reacting with hostility.

• Those Who Abuse and Ridicule — 骂詈、加害者
  Represent resistance arising from ego and attachment.

• The Great Assembly — 大众
  Receives the teaching through narrative.