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

The Emergence of The Lord

An illustration to bring out a peaceful landscape and a whimsical style.

The Lord emerged from his meditation, fully aware and composed, and spoke to venerable Sāriputta: “The wisdom of a Buddha, Sāriputta, is profound and not easily grasped or comprehended. It challenges the understanding of all disciples and solitary enlightened ones to fathom the wisdom attained by the Tathagatas, and that is because the Tathagatas have paid homage to countless Buddhas over immense periods of time. They have completed their journey to supreme and perfect enlightenment through countless eons, demonstrating unwavering dedication and extraordinary and wondrous qualities. Their attributes are beyond ordinary comprehension, for they have attained insights into profound truths that are difficult to comprehend.”

Dialogue Between The Lord and Sāriputta

On a peaceful landscape, The Lord communicates with venerable Sāriputta. The Lord’s face radiates wisdom and compassion, and his open hand gestures towards Sāriputta, who absorbs every word with intense focus. Surrounding them, various diverse disciples observe, their expressions showcasing a mix of awe and curiosity.

The profound wisdom of the Tathagatas, Sāriputta, is hard to comprehend because when they explain the laws or phenomena that arise from their own causes, they do so with great skill, using knowledge, reasoning, fundamental principles, interpretations, and illustrations. Through various skillful means, they can liberate beings attached to different viewpoints. The Tathagatas possess the highest perfection in skillful means and the display of knowledge. They are endowed with extraordinary qualities, such as the manifestation of unobstructed knowledge, powers, unwavering determination, independent conditions, mental faculties, the elements of enlightenment, meditative absorptions, emancipations, and concentrations of mind.

Attributes of the Tathagatas

An intricate montage of Buddhas, each manifesting a distinct attribute. One Buddha glows with the light of unobstructed knowledge, another stands strong symbolizing great power, and yet another remains steadfast, signifying unwavering determination. Diversity is highlighted as each Buddha embodies characters from various cultures.

The Tathagatas can expound on various subjects with wondrous and marvelous insights. Indeed, Sāriputta, the Tathagatas possess something immensely extraordinary. Only a Tathagata, Sāriputta, can impart to another Tathagata the profound truths that the Tathagatas comprehend. All laws, Sāriputta, are taught by the Tathagata and by him alone. No one else but the Tathagata understands all laws – their essence, characteristics, nature, and how they exist.

Wondrous Insights of the Tathagatas

Tathagatas stand at the center of the scene, encircled by swirling symbols representing knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment. Floating around them are elements from various significant texts, highlighting parallels and contrasts. Scattered throughout the illustration are depictions of real-world scenarios, rooted in the teachings, that resonate with contemporary viewers, showcasing diversity and inclusivity.

To further elucidate this profound theme, The Lord spoke forth in verse with gleam:

Verse by The Lord

A majestic setting where Lord Buddha, with a golden hue to his skin, stands elevated on a high platform, proclaiming the verse. Golden rays of brilliance radiate from him, casting a luminous glow over the area. The scene is adorned with playful touches like shimmering stars, a boundless ocean, and the flowing Ganges river, harmonizing with the profound narrative.

In realms of gods and men, heroes abound,
Their greatness vast, their mysteries profound.
Emancipation, powers they hold, unseen,
Beyond our grasp, like a distant dream.

For countless eons, I’ve sought the way,
A course profound, difficult to convey.
On Enlightenment’s terrace, I’ve found the key,
The fruit of my quest, for all to see.

As the world’s leaders, I perceive the truth,
Its essence, its nature, its depth, and its youth.
Yet this knowledge defies explanation’s art,
Unutterable, it sets us apart.

Only Bodhisattvas, with resolve strong,
Can fathom the depths, where wisdom belongs.
Disciples and Hermit Buddhas may aspire,
But Buddha’s knowledge exceeds their desire.

Journey of the Disciples and Bodhisattvas

A vast landscape captures the spiritual journey of various disciples and Bodhisattvas. Some are immersed in meditation under trees, others read scriptures by flowing rivers, while a few assist the less fortunate, showcasing their compassion. The challenges they face are evident, but their resolute spirit remains undeterred.

Though countless as stars, in the heavens above,
Wisdom’s vast ocean eludes their dove.
Even Bodhisattvas, like reeds in the Ganges,
Find its boundless shores beyond their ranges.

Though eons they seek, with unwavering will,
This ocean of wisdom eludes them still.
Profound are the laws, beyond compare,
Faultless, inscrutable, they fill the air.

In all ten directions, I’ve understood,
The truths of the Buddhas, wise and good.
Trust in my words, Sāriputta dear,
The Victors speak truth, so lend your ear.

To all disciples, I now proclaim,
The path to freedom, the end of all pain.
For those on the journey, seeking the light,
And those who’ve transcended, free from all plight.

The Threefold Path

Three paths diverge, each with its own horizon. One signifies freedom with vast expanses, another shines with brilliant light, and the third exudes an aura of transcendence with mystical clouds. Modern characters, diverse in their features, traverse these paths, symbolizing their pursuit of these ideals.

With skill and compassion, I guide the way,
To release all beings, from night to day.
The threefold path, I make it clear,
For all to follow, without fear. 

The wisdom of Tathagatas, hard to grasp,
Is taught with skill, an insight vast.
Through knowledge, reasons, and devices rare,
They free attached beings from every snare.

With perfect skill and knowledge, they’re graced,
Their wondrous qualities can’t be displaced.
Unobstructed knowledge, powers untold,
Unwavering determination, strong and bold.

Independent conditions, faculties high,
Elements of enlightenment they apply.
Meditations, emancipations, they know,
Concentrations deep, their minds do bestow.

Conclusion

A tranquil scene where The Lord is surrounded by various beings, all attentive to his teachings. The atmosphere is calm, and a soft light emanates, enveloping everyone. The backdrop features symbols central to the Lotus Sutra, including the lotus flower in full bloom and the Dharma wheel, capturing the text’s essence.

Their teachings are marvelous, diverse, and grand,
Profound truths revealed, they understand.
A Tathagatas can impart and show,
The depths of wisdom only they know.

All laws are taught by Tathagatas’s art,
Their understanding sets them apart.
No one else comprehends all they see,
The essence, nature, of every decree.