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

Once upon a time, there was a wealthy elder who lived in a distant city. He was advanced in age, and his wealth was immeasurable – he had many lands, properties, and servants. His house was massive, but there was only one door. Many people lived in the house, and the halls and rooms were old and dilapidated. Walls were broken down, the base of the pillars was rotting, and the ridge poles were slanted and perilous.

Suddenly, a fire erupted everywhere, engulfing the house in flames. The sons of the wealthy elder were still inside the house. The wealthy elder saw fire leaping from four corners and panicked, thinking, “Although I can get out safely through the flaming door, my children are still in the inferno, playing and enjoying themselves without any awareness and understanding. The fire is closing in, threatening them, and yet their hearts are not aware of the impending doom.”

The wealthy elder thought, “I have strength. I can carry them out of the house by wrapping them in a robe or placing them on a bench.” Reflecting further, he thought, “The house has only one door, and it is narrow and small. My children are very young, ignorant, and obsessed with toys. They will soon be gutted by the fire! I must tell them about the danger: the house is already blazing furiously, and they must escape as quickly as possible to avoid being burnt!” Following his instincts, he called out to his children, “All of you, get out of the house at once!”

In spite of the father’s compassionate advice, the children were still engrossed in their play, not bothering to believe him. They were neither alarmed nor fearful, much less had the desire to leave the house. Moreover, they did not understand the meaning of “fire” or the current condition of the house and the impending danger of losing their lives. Instead, they simply scampered around, barely noticing their father.

Then the wealthy elder thought, “The house is already being consumed by fire. If my children do not get out at once, they will be devoured by fire! Now I need to devise some expedient methods to save my children from being harmed.”

The father understood his children and the exotic toys that would definitely delight them. He said, “The toys you love playing with are rare and hard to find. If you do not get them now, you will regret it later. The goat carriages, deer carriages, and ox carriages are now outside the door for you to enjoy and play with. Now, get out of this blazing house immediately, and I will give you any toys you desire!”

When the children heard about the rare and exquisite toys that were exactly what they had wanted from their father, each of them became emboldened. They shoved and jostled one another, scrambling to get out of the blazing house. When the wealthy elder saw that his children had escaped from the danger of the blazing house and were all sitting on the street, he was exceptionally relieved and exhilarated.

Each of the sons said to his father, “The toys you promised us earlier – the goat carriages, deer carriages, and ox carriages – please give them to us now!” In response, the wealthy elder gave each of his children gargantuan carriages that were lofty, spacious, and decorated with an assortment of jewels. The carriages were encircled by railings with bells dangling on all four corners. On the tops of the carriages were canopies opulently decorated with an array of rare and exquisite jewels, draped with a network of precious ropes and decked with garlands of flowers. Inside the carriages, multiple layers of cushions were spread, and vermillion pillows were placed about beautifully.

These carriages were yoked to a strong and handsome white ox that was capable of pulling the carriages as smoothly and swiftly as does the wind. There were also many servants and guards attending and protecting the carriages.

As they rode in their luxurious carriages, the children looked back and saw the once magnificent house reduced to a pile of smoldering rubble. They realized that they were saved from certain death by their father’s wisdom and quick thinking.

Feeling grateful and humbled, they turned to their father and said, “Father, we are sorry for not heeding your warning earlier. Thank you for saving our lives and for giving us such amazing carriages.”

The wealthy elder smiled and replied, “My dear children, I am just happy that you are safe. I will always do whatever it takes to protect you and give you the best that I can. But always remember, material possessions are nothing compared to the value of your life and your family.”

From that day on, the children learned to appreciate the simple things in life and the importance of family. They also realized that their father’s love for them was immeasurable, just like his wealth. And they lived happily ever after, knowing that they had a father who would always be there for them no matter what.

This story, known as the Parable of the Burning House, is a Buddhist teaching that uses a metaphorical story to explain how the Buddha’s teachings can lead to enlightenment. In the story, the wealthy elder represents the Buddha, and the house on fire represents the world of suffering that we live in. The sons inside the house represent ordinary people who are unaware of the suffering that surrounds them. The toys the father promises represent temporary pleasures and distractions that prevent people from seeing the true nature of existence. The carriages and treasures the father eventually bestows represent the ultimate reward of enlightenment, which can only be attained by recognizing the dangers of worldly desires and following the Buddha’s teachings.

The story teaches that the Buddha’s teachings are a way out of suffering and ignorance, and that we should not be distracted by worldly pleasures that prevent us from recognizing the true nature of existence. It also emphasizes the importance of a compassionate and wise teacher who can guide us on the path to enlightenment.