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

In Chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra,
Insights into Buddha’s teachings, quite a plethora,
He urges the bodhisattvas thrice,
To have faith and seek his advice.

The Buddha’s eternal lifespan he reveals,
An expedient method to inspire his disciples’ zeal,
He illustrates it with an analogy so clear,
Incalculable dust particles, in remoteness far and near.

The skillful doctor parable, he does share,
A compassionate father, his children he does care,
A medicine he concocts to save their lives,
And through expedient means, his compassion thrives.

The ultimate truth of emptiness and eternal life,
He reveals in poetic stanzas, devoid of strife,
The Buddha is a supreme being, so kind,
With an unwavering commitment, to all beings blind.

The significance of Chapter 16 lies,
In the teachings that it provides,
On the Buddha’s eternal lifespan and compassion,
His expedient means to lead people to enlightenment, his mission.

The essence of his teachings, so profound,
His compassion, unwavering and profound,
The ultimate truth of emptiness, it does abound,
A treasure trove of insights, so renowned.

In conclusion, the Lotus Sutra’s Chapter 16,
Provides deep insights, of the Buddha’s teachings supreme,
On his eternal lifespan and compassion so pure,
It inspires and guides, all those seeking enlightenment’s allure.