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

Chapter 7 of the Lotus Sutra, known as The Parable of the Imaginary City, is one of the most well-known and widely studied chapters in the text. The Lotus Sutra is a revered text in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, composed in India in the 1st century CE and later translated into Chinese in the 3rd century CE. The Lotus Sutra emphasizes the concept of universal Buddhahood, which states that all beings have the potential to attain enlightenment. Chapter 7 of the Lotus Sutra uses a parable to illustrate the journey toward enlightenment and the role of the Buddha as a guide and teacher.

The chapter is divided into five sections, each with its specific focus and teachings. In the first section, paragraphs 1-8, the Buddha uses an analogy of depositing ink powder onto immeasurable distances to illustrate the long period during which the Buddha entered parinirvana. The history of Great Astuteness and Surpassing Wisdom Buddha is narrated in the second section, paragraphs 1-16, with his sixteen sons following in his footsteps to achieve enlightenment. This shows that enlightenment is attainable through following the teachings of the Buddha.

The Brahma kings from the four directions investigate why their palaces have been radiantly illuminated in the third section, paragraphs 1-52. They subsequently arrive at the abode of Great Astuteness and Surpassing Wisdom Buddha. The Buddha accepts the requests of the Brahma kings and sixteen princes to turn the Wheel of the Law in the fourth section, paragraphs 1-18. The Buddha teaches provisional nirvana as a practical method for his disciples. The sixteen princes propagate the Lotus Sutra and became Buddhas in the eight directions, with Shakyamuni Buddha being one of them who attains Buddhahood.

The Parable of the Imaginary City is presented in the fifth section, paragraphs 1-8. In this story, a group of travelers on a journey to a land of treasure becomes tired and disheartened and wants 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 town 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 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.

In the final section of the Lotus Sutra, paragraphs 1-43, Shakyamuni Buddha summarizes his teaching in poetic stanzas. 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. The stanzas serve as a final reminder of the key messages and lessons that the Buddha imparts in the Lotus Sutra and serve as a closure to the teachings presented in the sutra.

In conclusion, the Parable of the Imaginary City in Chapter 7 of the Lotus Sutra teaches us that the path to enlightenment is a long and challenging journey that requires perseverance and determination. The Buddha serves as a guide and teacher along this path, and his teachings on provisional nirvana provide a valuable means for practitioners to progress toward true nirvana. The Lotus Sutra emphasizes the potential for all beings to attain enlightenment, and the poetic stanzas in the final section of the text serve as a memorable way for practitioners to internalize and remember these teachings. By following the instructions of the Buddha and striving toward enlightenment, we can find liberation from suffering and ultimately achieve a state of peace and wisdom.