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

The parable of the Skillful Physician is found in Chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra, a Buddhist scripture. The parable is about a wise and skillful doctor who is also the father of many children.

One day, the father goes on a long journey, leaving his children in the care of a trustworthy nanny. However, while he is away, the children accidentally consume poison. When the father returns, he finds his children delirious and suffering. He realizes that the poison is deadly, and if left untreated, it will kill them.

The father quickly springs into action and concocts the most outstanding medicine to save his children. Some children immediately take the medicine and are cured, but some simply refuse to take it. Hence, the father resorts to an alternative method.

He tells his children he is old and dying and urges them to take the medicines. He then travels again and sends back a message about his sudden demise. The children are devastated upon hearing the news. Finally, the adamant ones take the medicine and are completely cured.

When the father knows that his children are restored to health, he returns home to them once more. He tells them that he was not dead, and that his announcement was an expedient means to get them to take the medicine. The children are overjoyed and grateful to their father for saving their lives.

The parable of the Skillful Physician teaches that the Buddha is like a compassionate father and skillful doctor who employs various expedient methods so that his children of varying capacities, natures, and desires will eventually be able to attain Buddhahood. The Buddha’s teachings are like the medicine that can cure the poison of delusion and suffering. Some people accept the teachings immediately, while others refuse to take them. The Buddha uses skillful means to encourage people to accept his teachings, just like the father in the parable used expedient means to get his children to take the medicine. The parable emphasizes the Buddha’s compassion and his unwavering commitment to saving all beings, irrespective of their capacity, nature, or desires.