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

The Parable of Medicinal Herbs from the Lotus Sutra offers a unique and insightful story that sheds light on the teachings of the Buddha and the nature of living beings. In this parable, the great cloud represents the Buddha and the different types of plants symbolize the diverse living beings that exist in the world. The rain, which is of one form and flavor, represents the Buddha’s teachings, which are intended to enlighten all living beings. The three kinds of medicinal herbs in the story – superior, mediocre, and inferior – denote people who practice the Way to become Buddhas, people who practice the Way to becoming pratyekabuddhas, and people who practice according to their level of understanding, respectively. The large and small trees represent the bodhisattva way of leading all living beings to attaining Buddhahood and individual practice to achieve Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, respectively. The Buddha is portrayed as the King of the Law, a superior being who is omniscient and omnispective, and his purpose of advent on Earth is to open and expound the Way for the enlightenment of all living beings. The Buddha’s teachings have a consistent form and message, but he understands that every living being’s development towards enlightenment is unique and depends on factors such as their natural disposition, aspirations, and ability to learn. This recognition of individual differences underscores the Buddha’s learner-centric approach, in which he adapts his teachings to the needs of different individuals for their benefit.

The three types of medicinal herbs – superior, mediocre, and inferior – represent the different approaches to practicing the Way to enlightenment. The superior herbs represent those who practice the Way with the goal of becoming Buddhas, while the mediocre herbs represent those who aim to become pratyekabuddhas. The inferior herbs represent those who practice according to their level of understanding. In contrast, the large and small trees symbolize the different paths to achieving enlightenment. The large trees represent the bodhisattva way of leading all living beings to Buddhahood, while the small trees represent individual practice to achieve Supreme Perfect Enlightenment. The use of these symbols emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diversity in individual practices towards achieving enlightenment.

The Buddha is depicted as the King of the Law, an all-knowing and all-seeing being who has come to Earth to reveal the Way to enlightenment. His teachings are intended to enlighten all living beings, but he understands that each individual’s development towards enlightenment is unique and depends on factors such as their natural disposition, aspirations, and ability to learn. Despite this recognition of individual differences, the Buddha’s teachings have a consistent form and message. The Buddha’s learner-centric approach is highlighted, as he adapts his teachings to the needs of different individuals. This approach underscores his compassion and wisdom, as he seeks to guide all living beings towards enlightenment, regardless of their starting point.

The Parable of Medicinal Herbs also highlights the importance of cultivating an attitude of openness and receptivity to the Buddha’s teachings. The medicinal herbs that grow in the area where the rain falls immediately benefit from the rain, while those that grow in other areas must be brought to the rain to benefit from it. This serves as a metaphor for how some individuals may be more receptive to the Buddha’s teachings than others. Those who are open and receptive to the teachings will benefit from them immediately, while those who are not may require more guidance and effort to benefit. The parable emphasizes the need for all individuals to remain open and receptive to the Buddha’s teachings, regardless of their current level of understanding or practice, in order to progress towards enlightenment.

In conclusion, the Parable of Medicinal Herbs provides a valuable lesson on the Buddha’s teachings, the nature of living beings, and the purpose of the Buddha’s advent on Earth. The parable emphasizes the Buddha’s learner-centric approach, where he adapts his teachings to the needs of different individuals for their benefit. It also highlights the importance of recognizing the diversity in individual practices towards achieving enlightenment and cultivating an attitude of openness and receptivity to the Buddha’s teachings. The parable serves as a reminder that while the Buddha’s teachings are universal and intended for all, the path to enlightenment is personal and depends on the individual’s nature, aspirations, and ability to learn. The Buddha’s compassion and wisdom in guiding all living beings towards enlightenment underscores his noble mission to alleviate suffering and help individuals achieve lasting happiness.