Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra

Chapter 2 of the Lotus Sutra, Section 1: Paragraphs 1-22, discusses the importance of expedient methods in teaching the Buddha-Law to individuals with varying natures, desires, and capacities. Shakyamuni Buddha reveals that the Buddha applied the expedient methods such as parables, similes, metaphors, and reasoning of causes and conditions in his teaching. These methods serve as tools to ensure that people are able to understand the teachings of the Buddha-Law, regardless of their varying natures, desires, and capacities.

In addition to the expedient methods, Shakyamuni Buddha also reveals the Ten Factors of the Ultimate Law. These ten factors are the workings of the Law of Cause and Effect and are essential in understanding the Buddha-Law. The Ten Factors demonstrate the interdependence of all phenomena and the nature of existence, which is the foundation of Buddhist teachings.

In Section 2: Paragraphs 1-10, Shariputra entreats Shakyamuni Buddha to expound the Law for the first time to the assembly. This request highlights the importance of the teachings of the Buddha-Law to the disciples, who are eager to learn and understand.

In Section 3: Paragraphs 1-8, Shariputra entreats Shakyamuni Buddha to expound the Law for the second and third time. The repeated requests demonstrate the disciples’ persistence in seeking the truth and their determination to attain enlightenment.

In Section 4: Paragraphs 1-15, Shakyamuni Buddha agrees to Shariputra’s third request to preach the Law. However, Five Thousand Disciples leave the assembly when Shakyamuni Buddha agrees to expound the Law. These disciples haughtily think that they have already attained what they have not yet attained, which highlights the need for humility in the path to enlightenment.

Shakyamuni Buddha then reveals that there is only One Buddha-Vehicle, and there is no second or a third Vehicle. The Two Vehicles are the expedient methods used by the Buddha to lead people of varying capacities in accepting his teachings. The One Vehicle, which is the Law of Lotus, leads all living beings directly to attaining Buddhahood quickly, making it an expressway to achieving the highest spiritual state.

In Section 5: Paragraphs 1-100, Shakyamuni Buddha speaks in stanzas to further illustrate the many examples of expedient methods in attaining Buddhahood indirectly. These stanzas demonstrate the flexibility of the Buddhist teachings and the ability to adapt to individual circumstances.

In conclusion, Chapter 2 of the Lotus Sutra highlights the importance of expedient methods and the Ten Factors of the Ultimate Law in teaching the Buddha-Law. The One Vehicle, which is the Law of Lotus, leads all living beings directly to attaining Buddhahood quickly. The Lotus Sutra is a reminder of the importance of persistence, humility, and adaptability in the path to enlightenment.