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

The Parable of Medicinal Herbs, from chapter five of the Lotus Sutra, is a unique and insightful story that sheds light on the teachings of the Buddha and the nature of living beings. In this parable, the great cloud represents the Buddha and the different types of plants symbolize the diverse living beings that exist in the world. The rain, which is of one form and flavor, represents the Buddha’s teachings, which are intended to enlighten all living beings.

The three kinds of medicinal herbs in the story – superior, mediocre, and inferior – denote people who practice the Way to become Buddhas, people who practice the Way to becoming pratyekabuddhas, and people who practice according to their level of understanding, respectively. On the other hand, the large and small trees represent the bodhisattva way of leading all living beings to attaining Buddhahood and individual practice to achieve Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, respectively.

The Buddha, being the King of the Law, is depicted as a superior being who is omniscient and omnispective. He knows the Way and his purpose of advent on Earth is to open and expound the Way for the enlightenment of all living beings. The Buddha adopts a learner-centric approach by using varying methodologies and expedient methods so that all living beings can benefit from his teachings. He recognizes that, although the teachings are of one form and flavor, the rates of development of living beings are not identical due to differences in their natures, desires, and learning capacities.

In conclusion, the Parable of Medicinal Herbs highlights the Buddha’s teachings, the nature of living beings, and the purpose of the Buddha’s advent on Earth. It serves as a reminder that, while the teachings are universal and intended for all, they may be received and practiced differently depending on one’s individual nature, desires, and learning capacities. The Buddha’s learner-centric approach and his goal of enlightenment for all living beings underscores his compassion and wisdom.