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

An ancient assembly with monks and disciples seated in concentric circles around the central figure of the Buddha, who is radiating a soft, serene light. Faces in the assembly are illuminated by this glow, reflecting awe and reverence. Sāriputta, depicted with distinct robes and features, sits closest to the Buddha. He leans forward, eyes full of anticipation and respect, locked onto the Buddha, waiting for the profound teachings to be unveiled.

When the Lord heard the venerable Sāriputta’s entreaty for the third time, he responded, “Now that you ask me again, Sāriputta, I will answer you. Listen carefully to what I am about to say.” The assembly fell silent, eager to hear the Lord’s words.

At that moment, five thousand proud monks, nuns, and lay devotees in the congregation rose from their seats. They saluted the Lord’s feet with humility and reverence before departing from the assembly. In their pride, they had mistakenly believed they had attained understanding beyond their actual realization. Feeling aggrieved, they chose to leave, and the Lord, in his wisdom, allowed them to depart.

On Eagle Peak, a group of monks, nuns, and lay devotees are depicted leaving the assembly, their faces showing disdain and disappointment. In the background, the Buddha is serene, his gaze understanding and compassionate, watching their departure without any sign of judgment.

Addressing Sāriputta, the Lord remarked, “My congregation has been purified, cleared from impurities, and strengthened by unwavering faith. It is for the best that those who were filled with pride have left. Now, Sāriputta, I will expound on the matter.” Sāriputta replied, “Very well, Lord,” attentively awaiting the Lord’s teachings.

With the assembly focused and ready, the Lord began to speak, unraveling the profound truths of the Dharma.

A tranquil scene set at Eagle Peak. The Buddha, seated in a meditative posture, is addressing Sāriputta, who is depicted with utmost reverence. The Buddha’s hand is raised in a gesture of emphasis, drawing attention to the importance of his words. Around them, the remaining assembly members are depicted with expressions of deepened focus, understanding, and gratitude. Their demeanor suggests they have witnessed the earlier departure of the prideful members and have chosen to remain, soaking in every word of the Buddha’s teachings.

Listen, Sāriputta, for I rarely expound such profound teachings. Just as the blossom of the glamorous fig tree appears but now and then, so do I occasionally share these deep truths. Trust me; I speak with sincerity, truth, and righteousness. Understanding the mystery of the Tathagata’s teachings is challenging, Sāriputta, for I employ countless skillful means, diverse interpretations, indications, explanations, and illustrations in elucidating the Dharma. It is not through mere reasoning that the true essence of the Dharma is found; it transcends rational understanding and must be learned from the Tathagata.

The purpose of the Buddha’s appearance in the world is singular and lofty. It is to reveal the knowledge of the Tathagata to all beings and to open their eyes to this profound wisdom. This Sāriputta, is the sole objective, the noble aim of the Tathagata’s presence in the world. And I, indeed, fulfill this purpose. I show all beings the sight of Tathagata-knowledge; I open their eyes to this profound wisdom, firmly establishing and guiding them on the right path of Tathagata-knowledge.

The Buddha’s teaching is conveyed through a single vehicle, the Buddha vehicle, without any secondary or tertiary paths. This truth is universal in the world, in all directions. Throughout countless spheres and innumerable times, the Tathagatas of the past have taught the law for the welfare and happiness of many beings. They compassionately preached to gods and humans, using diverse methods to accommodate the varying dispositions and temperaments of beings. However, all those Buddhas and Lords imparted their teachings through one unified vehicle—the Buddha vehicle—that leads to omniscience. This teaching, showing beings the sight of Tathagata knowledge and leading them on the right path, has enabled countless beings to attain supreme, perfect enlightenment.

A resplendent path, illuminated and vast, leading towards a radiant horizon. Alongside, shadowy representations of other paths merge into the main one, symbolizing the convergence of all teachings into the Buddha Vehicle.

And the Tathagatas, the enlightened beings who shall exist in the future, Sāriputta, will manifest in countless realms in all directions, out of compassion for the world and for the benefit and happiness of all beings. They will preach the Dharma to gods and humans, guiding them on the path of enlightenment. Those beings who hear the teachings from these future Tathagatas will all attain supreme, perfect enlightenment.

Similarly, the present Tathagatas reside in countless realms, preaching the Dharma to beings, and leading them towards liberation. Those who hear their teachings will also attain supreme, perfect enlightenment. I, myself, Sāriputta, as a Tathagata at this time, am also spreading the Dharma for the welfare of many. Those who listen to my teachings will also achieve supreme, perfect enlightenment. Thus, there is only one vehicle, the Buddha vehicle, and no second or third vehicles exist worldwide.

Buddhas of the past, present, and future, each with distinct postures and emanating a unique glow, stand in a circular formation around the Earth. Their collective radiant light beams down, touching various continents and landmarks, symbolizing the timeless and universal dissemination of the teachings.

However, at times when the epoch and beings are in decline, and greed and delusion prevail, the Tathagatas skillfully designate the one and sole Buddha vehicle as the threefold vehicle. This is done to accommodate the dispositions of certain disciples, Arhats, and Hermit Buddhas, who may not fully grasp the profound teachings of the Buddha-vehicle. Nevertheless, those who do not hear or acknowledge their calling to the Buddha vehicle by the Tathagata should not be recognized as faithful disciples, Arhats, or Hermit Buddhas.

Furthermore, any monk or nun who claims Arhatship without earnestly aspiring to attain supreme, perfect enlightenment and asserts that they have reached their last appearance in the body before complete Nirvana should be considered conceited. It is improper for a faultless Arhat to disregard the Dharma taught by the Tathagata in their presence. However, when the Tathagata eventually attains complete Nirvana, there will be none who knows or preaches such Sutras as this. It will be under other Tathagatas that doubts will be dispelled. So, believe and value my words, Sāriputta, for there is no falsehood in the Tathagatas. Only one vehicle—the Buddha vehicle—leads all beings to ultimate liberation.

A landscape showing three distinct paths that are intertwined, leading towards a radiant lotus flower on the horizon. Each path is adorned with beings of diverse temperaments and dispositions, showcasing the Buddha’s versatility in guiding various souls towards enlightenment.

And on that occasion, to elaborate further on this subject, the Lord spoke the following verses:

The Tathagatas’ wisdom is profound,
Their teachings hard to understand.
Through skillful means, they preach to all,
Using various ways to make the call.

The laws they expound are hard to find,
Beyond the realm of reasoning, they’re confined.
Only the Tathagatas truly know,
Their nature, essence, and how they flow.

The Tathagatas’ goal is crystal clear,
To show all beings enlightenment’s sphere.
To open eyes and awaken the sight,
Of Tathagata-knowledge, shining bright.

Throughout countless realms, they appear,
For the welfare of all, they hold beings dear.
Preaching the Dharma with skillful art,
Guiding us to the wisdom heart.

In times of decay, when beings are weak,
The threefold vehicle they may speak.
But truthfully, there’s only one way,
The Buddha-vehicle, leading to the day.

Those who doubt and do not heed,
The Tathagatas’ words, so wise indeed,
Should not be seen as true disciples, wise,
For they lack faith in the path that lies.

If any monk or nun, conceited they stand,
Pretending Arhatship without true command,
Dismissing the teachings the Buddha imparts,
Their arrogance is far from the Dharma’s hearts.

A monk with a proud and conceited expression stands prominently in the foreground. Behind him, an enormous, ethereal silhouette of the Buddha looms, casting a gentle shadow over the monk. This contrast signifies the immense depth and vastness of the Buddha’s teachings compared to the monk’s narrow and limited understanding.

But when the time comes for Nirvana’s embrace,
No one will know this Sutra’s grace.
Under new Tathagatas, doubts will fade,
As they continue the Dharma’s crusade.

So trust these words, Sāriputta, my friend,
There’s no falsehood in the Tathagata’s blend.
The one vehicle, the Buddha’s grand art,
Guides all beings to enlightenment’s heart.

And on that occasion, to elaborate further on this subject, the Lord spoke the following verses:

In a gathering of five thousand monks, nuns, and lay devotees, full of conceit and disbelief,
Some departed, fearing damage, as their training and wisdom were brief.
The Lord saw them as the congregation’s dregs, lacking the merit to hear his teaching,
His assembly was now pure and true, with trash removed, only the essence reaching.

To Sāriputta, he then explained the supreme truth, discovered by the highest sage,
The Buddhas preach it skillfully, with countless proofs of wisdom’s stage.
The Tathagata knows each creature’s way, their past actions, and inclinations,
Using various means to lead them to the truth, guiding them through divine revelations.

Sutras and stanzas, legends and tales, he uses to awaken wisdom’s spark,
From the ignorant to the wise, he shows Nirvana’s path, brightening the dark.
For those ready for enlightenment’s embrace, he reveals the boundless goal,
To become Buddhas compassionate and wise, liberating every soul.

An expanse of space filled with galaxies, nebulae, and stars serves as the backdrop. Floating amidst this cosmic scene are ancient scrolls and sacred texts. Some of the texts are vibrant and clear, while others appear faded with age, all symbolizing the timeless teachings of the Dharma. The overall feeling evoked is one of reverence for the eternal nature of these teachings.

To those who heard the Buddha’s word and followed the righteous way,
Supreme enlightenment they attained, reaching wisdom’s golden ray.
One stanza learned with heart sincere, is enough to lead them to the light,
There is but one vehicle, no second or third, only the Buddha’s insight.

In times of decay, the Buddhas may speak of diverse paths to guide the lost,
But in truth, one vehicle prevails, leading all beings to enlightenment’s coast.
Those who do not heed the Buddha’s call, who doubt the path so divine,
They cannot be called true disciples, nor attain the wisdom’s shine.

A monk claiming Arhatship without striving for supreme enlightenment,
Such conceit is unbecoming, lacking faith in the Buddha’s statement.
When the Tathagata’s light fades away, and the Sutras are lost in time,
Under new Buddhas, doubts dispelled, truth’s clarity will again chime.

Believe these words, Sāriputta, hold them close and clear,
For the Tathagatas speak the truth, there’s but one vehicle to steer.
And so, on that day, the Lord spoke further in a sonorous flow,
Elaborating on the truth he found, revealing wisdom’s eternal glow.

Elegant script showcasing stanzas of the Buddha’s verses, surrounded by intricate motifs. Silhouettes of the assembly members are scattered around the verses, each in deep contemplation, their postures embodying reverence and thoughtfulness.

The Tathagatas, past and future, countless and wise,
Shall reveal the one vehicle, enlightening all in their eyes.
Endless skilfulness they possess, guiding beings to their goals,
Manifesting diverse paths, yet leading to wisdom’s soul.

On this wondrous journey, I, the Tathagata, stand tall,
Guiding countless souls to enlightenment’s call.
For those lost in delusion, I show Nirvana’s way,
Even the least among them can reach wisdom’s ray.

Buddhas, past and future, their laws are true and vast,
Leading beings to enlightenment, a divine contrast.
Blessed with wisdom, they all proclaim the one supreme path,
Unshakeable and pure, bringing joy that lasts.

A rare chance to meet this law, like a blossom seldom seen,
But whoever embraces it fully, Buddha’s grace they shall glean.
Release all doubt and fear, embrace the truth so bright,
I am the King of the Dharma, urging others to the light.

Let this mystery be revealed to those with pure intent,
For the noble Bodhisattvas, and all who strive to be content.
To those with humble hearts, seeking the highest aim,
I shall reveal this vehicle’s forms, without any doubt or blame.

Such is the mastery of the Buddhas, their skillful art,
In myriad mysteries, they speak, enlightening every heart.
So understand this mystery, the holy masters’ grand prize,
For you shall become Buddhas too, rejoice! The truth never dies.

The Buddha meditating under the expansive Bodhi tree with the attentive assembly members around him. The universe with its majestic galaxies, twinkling stars, and celestial wonders, unravels above, symbolizing the eternal and universal resonance of the Dharma. The Bodhi tree’s roots are firmly grounded, indicating the ageless and undying path of the teachings.