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

Once a skillful physician and father,
Had children, whom he loved like no other,
He had to leave on a long journey,
And left them in the care of a nanny.

While he was gone, the children ingested poison,
And their condition became quite worsen,
When the father returned, he found them delirious,
And knew if left untreated, the poison would be vicious.

He quickly made a medicine of great skill,
But some children refused to take the pill,
The father used expedient means and said,
That he was dying and soon to be dead.

He urged them to take the medicine and be cured,
But some remained obstinate and unsure,
So the father sent a message of his sudden demise,
And the children were filled with cries.

Finally, the adamant ones took the medicine and were healed,
The father returned, and their joy was sealed,
He told them his announcement was expedient,
To get them to take the medicine and be compliant.

The parable teaches of the Buddha’s compassion,
And his expedient means to lead all to liberation,
Like a skillful physician and compassionate father,
The Buddha guides us to reach enlightenment and go further.