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

The Lotus Sutra, revered and true
Expounds the nature of Buddha too
Chapter 15, with its teachings profound
Reveals the path to enlightenment found

Section 1 tells of the Bodhisattvas’ request
To spread the Sutra, but the Buddha stayed abreast
He summoned billions of bodhisattvas to show
Compassion and power that in him flow

Four leaders emerged, each with a virtue true
Superior, Boundless, Pure, and Steadfast through
Bodhisattva Maitreya, confounded with doubt
Sought answers from the Buddha, of teachings devout

The four virtues of a Buddha’s key
True Self, Eternity, Purity, and Happiness to see
Through these virtues, one can find the way
To reach enlightenment and never stray

Section 2 reveals how the Buddha transforms
Living beings for whom enlightenment conforms
Millions and billions, dwelling beneath the Saha world
Practice Buddha-wisdom for innumerable kalpas unfurled

The Buddha’s power to guide all beings true
And his eternal lifespan revealed to view
Through attainment of Buddhahood in the past remote
The Buddha guides all with compassion, power, and hope

Section 3 tells of the paradox in view
Of the Buddha’s ability, confounding too
To transform billions of bodhisattvas with ease
Since his attainment of Buddhahood forty years in peace

Bodhisattva Maitreya sought explanation in vain
Until the Buddha used poetic stanzas to explain
The nature of reality and how it is concealed
And how the Buddha’s teachings must be revealed

The key messages of the Lotus Sutra profound
Continue to inspire all who follow around
The path to enlightenment and the nature of Buddha too
Found in Chapter 15 of the Lotus Sutra true.