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

The clouds ascend high in the sky,
Giving rain and moisture equally,
To all the trees and plants on earth,
Each growing differently, so it is clear.

The superior herbs, mediocre too,
And the inferior ones, each one true,
Absorb the moisture, grow with care,
Reflecting the diverse nature, so rare.

The rain is one, but plants are many,
With growth rates differing, not just any,
For Buddha’s teachings, like the rain,
Are of one form and flavor, without any strain.

The large tree, the bodhisattva way,
Leads all to Buddhahood, come what may,
The small tree, individual practice,
Achieves Supreme Perfect Enlightenment,
the solace.

Buddha, King of Law, all-knowing,
Reveals his true identity, all-growing,
His purpose to open and expound the Way,
For all living beings, come what may.

Thus, the parable of medicinal herbs,
Highlights Buddha’s teachings, each one clear,
For all living beings, with compassion,
He adopts a learner-centric approach with wisdom.