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

If those of virtue embrace with heart,
The Lotus Sutra, in every part,
Reading, reciting, expounding well,
Copying, transcribing, its tale to tell,

They’ll earn eight hundred merits bright,
For eyes that see with righteous sight,
For ears that listen, twelve hundred more,
To hear the Dharma’s sacred lore.

For nose that breathes with noble intent,
Eight hundred merits to it are sent,
And for the tongue that speaks true words,
Twelve hundred merits, like sweet birds.

The body too, with eight hundred gains,
Will be adorned with sacred refrains,
And for the mind, twelve hundred bright,
To cleanse and purify with holy light.

These merits, earned with hearts so pure,
Will bless their senses and make them sure,
Adorned, cleansed, and purified anew,
Their souls will shine with blessings true.

Inspired by The Lotus Sutra,
Chapter 19,
Merits of the Teachers of the Law,
Section 1, Verse 1

The Lotus Sutra, a foundational text of Mahayana Buddhism, is a collection of teachings attributed to the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. One of the most significant chapters of this sutra is Chapter 19, Merits of the Teachers of the Law, which describes the various merits that can be gained by practitioners of the Lotus Sutra for each of the six senses. The chapter is divided into six sections, each of which focuses on one of the senses.

In Section 1, which consists of paragraphs 1─6, Shakyamuni Buddha explains how the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra can purify their six senses: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. These merits are gained through the practice of the Lotus Sutra. The section further explains that the practitioners can attain eight hundred merits for their eyes, which enable them to witness the magnificence of the world in its grandeur.

Section 2, which consists of paragraphs 1─17, describes the twelve hundred merits that can be gained for the ears. These merits enable the Teachers of the Law to hear a medley of voices and sounds, which is a significant ability in preaching the Law to the people.

In Section 3, which consists of paragraphs 1─35, the focus is on the eight hundred merits that can be gained for the nose. These merits enable the Teachers of the Law to experience a variety of delightful scents, which can also be used as a means of preaching the Law.

Section 4, which consists of paragraphs 1─12, describes the twelve hundred merits that can be gained for the tongue. These merits enable the Teachers of the Law to taste delicious food as well as to speak with melodious voices capable of joyously expounding the Law.

In Section 5, which consists of paragraphs 1─8, the focus is on the eight hundred merits that can be gained for the body. These merits transform the body of the Teachers of the Law into a “mirror” that reflects the realities of life in the world. This means that the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra can reflect the teachings of the Buddha in their daily lives and interactions with others.

In Section 6, which consists of paragraphs 1─10, the focus is on the twelve hundred merits that can be gained for the mind. These merits enable the Teachers of the Law to have supreme understanding of the Law, resulting in effective preaching to the assembly of followers.

From the amount of merits received by the ears, tongue, and mind, which are twelve hundred, compared to the eight hundred merits received by the eyes, nose, and body, we can deduce that the ears, tongue, and mind are relatively more important than the other senses. Hence, as humans, we should always strive to use our ears to listen with a view to gain a deeper understanding of people, use our tongues to speak words of kindness and encouragement, and lastly use our minds to practice wisdom in our lives.

In conclusion, Chapter 19 of the Lotus Sutra offers a detailed account of the merits that can be gained by the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra for each of the six senses. The chapter highlights the significance of using the ears, tongue, and mind to gain a deeper understanding of people, speak words of kindness and encouragement, and practice wisdom in our lives. By following these teachings, we can improve our own lives and make a positive impact on the world around us.

Let us now transition from the essay to a poetic verse, as we contemplate the profound teachings of the Lotus Sutra.

The Lotus Sutra, a text of old,
Teaches of the merits, shining gold,
That can be gained by those who practice true,
For each sense, a path to pursue.

Section 1 speaks of the six senses fair,
Purified through the Lotus Sutra’s care,
And eight hundred merits for the eyes to gain,
A view of the world, its glory and its pain.

Section 2, twelve hundred merits for the ears,
A medley of sounds, a symphony that cheers,
Teaching the Law to all who would hear,
For knowledge and wisdom to take and revere.

Section 3, eight hundred merits for the nose,
A variety of scents, a fragrance that glows,
Preaching the Law to all who would know,
For enlightenment, that they may grow.

Section 4, twelve hundred merits for the tongue,
Delicious food, words spoken among,
A melodious voice, with joy to expound,
The teachings of Buddha, most profound.

Section 5, eight hundred merits for the body,
A mirror to reflect, and see clearly,
The realities of life, to understand,
Teaching the Law, through deeds so grand.

Section 6, twelve hundred merits for the mind,
Supreme understanding, preaching combined,
For the assembly of followers to hear,
And enlightenment, to draw near.

From the ears, tongue, and mind, merits do flow,
Twelve hundred in number, their importance to show,
The senses of the eyes, nose, and body, eight hundred gained,
Teaching us to use our senses true, to practice and to train.

In conclusion, the Lotus Sutra’s teachings hold,
The key to improving our lives manifold,
To use our senses to gain knowledge and insight,
And spread kindness and wisdom with all our might.