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

Once upon a time, a group of travelers set out on a long journey through a treacherous mountain range. They were led by a wise guide who knew the way through the dangerous terrain.

As they journeyed, the travelers grew tired and weary. The path was steep, and the journey seemed endless. They began to lose heart and some even wanted to turn back.

To encourage his followers, the guide told them a parable. He spoke of a beautiful garden that lay just ahead, filled with fruits and flowers, cool streams, and refreshing shade. The travelers’ eyes lit up with hope and renewed vigor.

The guide cautioned them, however, that the garden was not the final destination. It was simply a temporary rest stop, a place to refresh themselves before continuing the journey.

He reminded them that the road ahead was still long and difficult. It would require patience, perseverance, and determination to reach their ultimate goal.

But the travelers were heartened by the promise of the garden, and they set out again with renewed energy. And when they finally reached the garden, they found that it was even more beautiful than they had imagined.

They rested there for a time, enjoying the fruits and flowers, the cool streams, and the refreshing shade. And when they were ready, they set out once again, determined to reach their ultimate destination.

The moral of the parable is that the journey to enlightenment is a long and difficult one. Along the way, there may be rest stops and temporary comforts to sustain us, but we must never lose sight of our ultimate goal. We must stay focused and determined, and keep moving forward until we reach the final destination.