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

The Lotus Sutra is a revered text in the Buddhist tradition that is said to contain the teachings of the Buddha. In Chapter 7 of this text, the Parable of the Imaginary City is presented as a teaching tool to illustrate the journey to Buddhahood. The purpose of this essay is to examine the key messages contained within the Parable of the Imaginary City.

The Buddha uses the analogy of depositing ink powder onto immeasurable distances to illustrate an extremely long period of time during which Great Astuteness and Surpassing Wisdom Tathagata entered parinirvana. This serves as a reminder that the journey to enlightenment is a long and difficult one that may take many lifetimes.

The history of Great Astuteness and Surpassing Wisdom Buddha is narrated in the Lotus Sutra. This Buddha was only able to attain Supreme Perfect Enlightenment with the appearance of the Buddha-Law. His sixteen sons followed in his footsteps and also achieved enlightenment. This serves to show that enlightenment is attainable through following the teachings of the Buddha.

The Brahma kings from the four directions investigate the reason why their palaces have been radiantly illuminated. They subsequently arrive at the abode of Great Astuteness and Surpassing Wisdom Buddha. This serves to show that even those who are powerful and have achieved a high level of material success can still seek spiritual enlightenment.

Great Astuteness and Surpassing Wisdom Buddha accepts the entreaties of the Brahma kings and sixteen princes to turn the Wheel of the Law. Eventually, the sixteen princes propagate the Lotus Sutra and become Buddhas in the eight directions. Shakyamuni Buddha is one of the sixteen princes who attains Buddhahood. This serves to show that anyone can attain Buddhahood through following the teachings of the Buddha.

In the Parable of the Imaginary City, a caravan leader leads a group of caravans on a journey to a land of treasure. Along the way, the group members become jaded and want to give up. As such, the leader uses his divine powers to conjure up an imaginary city so as to provide a temporary resting place for them. Once the group members are well-rested, the leader declares that the city was only an illusion for them to take a short break in. He then urges them to continue the journey, for the destination of the treasure is only a short distance away. This parable serves to illustrate the idea that the journey to enlightenment is a long and difficult one that may require temporary rest stops along the way.

The Buddha is the caravan leader in the Parable of the Imaginary City, who reveals two nirvanas in an effort to encourage his disciples in completing the journey to Buddhahood. The first, provisional nirvana, is represented by the imaginary city and denotes the state of Arhat. The second, true nirvana, is represented by the rare treasures at the end of the journey and denotes the state of Buddhahood. The one and only Vehicle to attain Buddhahood is the One-Buddha Vehicle as expounded in the Lotus Sutra. As an expedient method, the Buddha taught the provisional nirvana for his disciples.

In the final section of the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha summarizes his teachings in poetic stanzas. This section serves as a final reminder of the key messages and lessons that the Buddha imparts in the Lotus Sutra, and serves as a closure to the teachings presented in the sutra. The poetic stanzas are meant to be memorable and easily recited, making it easier for the followers of the Lotus Sutra to internalize and remember the teachings.

In conclusion, the Lotus Sutra and the Parable of the Imaginary City highlight the importance of perseverance and determination in one’s journey towards Buddhahood. The Buddha uses the analogy of a caravan journey to illustrate the path to enlightenment, reminding his followers that there will be challenges along the way but that the ultimate goal, true nirvana, is within reach. The key message of the Lotus Sutra is that the One-Buddha Vehicle is the only path to attain the ultimate goal, and that the Buddha’s teachings, including the Parable of the Imaginary City, are meant to guide and encourage the followers in their journey towards enlightenment.

The Lotus Sutra and the Parable of the Imaginary City are significant in the Buddha’s teachings because they offer a clear and concise explanation of the path to enlightenment, which can be easily understood by people of all backgrounds and levels of understanding. The Parable of the Imaginary City provides a memorable and inspiring image of the journey towards Buddhahood, while the Lotus Sutra provides a comprehensive overview of the teachings and principles necessary to attain enlightenment. The Lotus Sutra and the Parable of the Imaginary City serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, determination, and faith in the journey towards enlightenment, and continue to inspire and guide followers of the Buddha’s teachings even to this day.