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

In a distant land, many years ago, there lived a poor man named Jalen who struggled to make ends meet. His days were filled with hardship, and he was often hungry and cold. Despite his circumstances, Jalen was a kind and gentle soul, always offering help to others when he could.

One day, as Jalen walked through the market, he chanced upon an old friend named Reuben, who had become a wealthy merchant. They had not seen each other in a very long time, and Reuben welcomed Jalen warmly, eager to catch up with his old companion. As they strolled through the market together, they came across a discarded coat. Seeing that it still had some use left in it, Jalen picked it up, hoping it could provide him with some warmth during the cold days.

That evening, Jalen and Reuben spent hours reminiscing about their past adventures, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. As the night progressed, Jalen drank too much wine and fell into a deep sleep. Just then, Reuben received an urgent message, calling him away on important business.

Before leaving, Reuben wanted to help Jalen even more without causing embarrassment or making him feel indebted. So, he took a priceless jewel from his collection, a valuable gem that could provide Jalen with a lifetime of wealth and security. Quietly, he sewed the jewel into the lining of the discarded coat without Jalen noticing.

The following day, Jalen woke up to find Reuben gone. He thanked the absent merchant in his heart for his hospitality and the time they had spent together, then went on his way, wearing the old coat, utterly unaware of the treasure hidden within. Jalen continued to live his life in poverty, working tirelessly to survive, never realizing that he had the means to change his life for the better.

Years passed, and Jalen’s life remained a struggle. The coat, although worn and weathered, had been his constant companion through harsh winters and challenging times. One day, by chance, Reuben came across his old friend Jalen once again. He was astonished to find him still living in poverty, wearing the same coat he had picked up from the market years ago. Reuben asked him, “Why have you not used the jewel I gave you to improve your life?”

Confused, Jalen replied, “What jewel? You never gave me anything other than the time we spent together.”

With a kind smile, Reuben explained that he had secretly sewn the precious jewel into the coat years ago before being called away on urgent business. He carefully opened the lining of the worn and weathered coat and revealed the brilliant gem which had been with Jalen all along.

Overwhelmed with gratitude and disbelief, Jalen finally understood the magnitude of Reuben’s generosity. With this newfound knowledge, he could transform his life and share his wealth with others, ultimately achieving happiness and contentment.

In this story, Jalen represents an individual seeking spiritual growth but unaware of the potential for enlightenment that lies within. He goes through life facing hardships, much like how sentient beings experience the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) while unaware of their true nature.

Reuben, the wealthy merchant, symbolizes the Buddha or other enlightened beings (Bodhisattvas) who compassionately help others along their spiritual journey. The act of sewing the precious jewel into Jalen’s coat represents the Buddha’s teachings and guidance, which are offered selflessly and skillfully, tailored to the needs of each individual.

The worn and weathered coat signifies the superficial nature of our ordinary lives, often filled with distractions and suffering. However, hidden within this seemingly mundane existence lies the jewel, representing our inherent Buddha nature. This jewel symbolizes the potential for enlightenment in every sentient being, waiting to be discovered and realized.

When Jalen finally learns about the hidden jewel, he is able to transform his life, achieve happiness, and share his newfound wealth with others. This part of the story reflects the process of enlightenment, wherein an individual awakens to their true nature, transcends the cycle of samsara, and compassionately works for the benefit of all sentient beings.

The parable teaches that spiritual growth and enlightenment are not something external that one must acquire but are inherent within each individual. It also emphasizes the importance of the guidance and support provided by the Buddha and other enlightened beings in helping us uncover our innate potential for spiritual transformation.

In conclusion, the Parable of The Hidden Treasure Within the Weathered Coa, when viewed from this perspective, serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for enlightenment that lies within each of us and the importance of seeking guidance from the Buddha and other enlightened beings on our spiritual journey.

Student of the Lotus Sutra