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

The Lotus Sutra is a revered text in the Buddhist tradition that contains the teachings of the Buddha. In Chapter 7 of this text, the Parable of the Imaginary City is presented as a teaching tool to illustrate the journey to Buddhahood. In this essay, we will examine the key messages contained within this parable.

The Parable of the Imaginary City is a story about a group of travelers on a journey to a land of treasure. Along the way, the travelers become tired and disheartened and want to give up. To provide a temporary resting place for them, the caravan leader uses his divine powers to conjure up an imaginary city. Once the group is well-rested, the leader reveals that the city was only an illusion for them to take a short break, and urges them to continue the journey, for their destination to the treasure is only a short distance away.

The key message of the Parable of the Imaginary City is that the journey to enlightenment is a long and difficult one that may require temporary rest stops along the way. The Buddha is the caravan leader in the parable, and he reveals two nirvanas to encourage his disciples in completing the journey to Buddhahood. The first, provisional nirvana, is represented by the imaginary city and denotes the state of Arhat. The second, true nirvana, is represented by the rare treasures at the end of the journey and denotes the state of Buddhahood. The one and only Vehicle to attain Buddhahood is the One-Buddha Vehicle as expounded in the Lotus Sutra. As an expedient method, the Buddha taught the provisional nirvana for his disciples.

Chapter 7 of the Lotus Sutra also emphasizes the importance of perseverance and determination in one’s journey towards Buddhahood. The history of Great Astuteness and Surpassing Wisdom Buddha is narrated in the Lotus Sutra. This Buddha was only able to attain Supreme Perfect Enlightenment with the appearance of the Buddha-Law. His sixteen sons followed in his footsteps and also achieved enlightenment. This serves to show that enlightenment is attainable through following the teachings of the Buddha.

The Parable of the Imaginary City also serves to illustrate that even those who are powerful and have achieved a high level of material success can still seek spiritual enlightenment. The Brahma kings from the four directions investigate the reason why their palaces have been radiantly illuminated. They subsequently arrive at the abode of Great Astuteness and Surpassing Wisdom Buddha.

In the final section of the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha summarizes his teachings in poetic stanzas. This section serves as a final reminder of the key messages and lessons that the Buddha imparts in the Lotus Sutra, and serves as a closure to the teachings presented in the sutra. The poetic stanzas are meant to be memorable and easily recited, making it easier for the followers of the Lotus Sutra to internalize and remember the teachings.

In conclusion, the Parable of the Imaginary City serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination in one’s journey towards enlightenment. The Lotus Sutra teaches that even those who are powerful and materially successful can still seek spiritual enlightenment, and that following the teachings of the Buddha can lead to enlightenment for all beings. The poetic stanzas in the final section of the Lotus Sutra serve as a memorable way to internalize and remember the teachings presented in this sacred text.