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

The news of Venerable Sariputta’s destined attainment of supreme, perfect enlightenment reached a vast and diverse audience—monks and nuns, devoted laypeople of all genders, celestial beings like gods, nagas, goblins, Gandharvas, and demons, along with mighty creatures like Garudas, Kinnaras, and great serpents. Even beings from beyond the human world were present, eager to witness this extraordinary event.

Their hearts overflowed with joy and delight, and they couldn’t contain their happiness. In a gesture of reverence, they draped the Lord with their own robes, signifying their deep respect for his profound teachings. Celestial beings, including Indra, the chief of gods, Brahma Sahampati, and countless divine entities adorned him with heavenly garments and showered him with fragrant Mandarava and Great Mandarava flowers.

As the atmosphere buzzed excitedly, they exuberantly celebrated, swirling celestial clothes, playing a symphony of hundreds of thousands of heavenly musical instruments and cymbals, filling the skies with harmonious melodies. A grand spectacle unfolded as they poured down a magnificent rain of colorful flowers, creating a mesmerizing display.

Amid this awe-inspiring scene, the divine beings expressed their profound admiration through these verses:

“The wheel of Dharma set in motion by thee,
O unrivaled one, in Benares’ decree!
The rise and fall of aggregates shows,
A cosmic dance of life’s transient throes.

Once at that sacred site, it twirled with grace,
Now, secondly, it spins in this hallowed space.
Today, O Master, thou didst truth unveil,
A law demanding faith, a quest to sail.

Countless teachings we’ve heard from the world’s great Lord,
Yet none like this, its depths we now afford.
We thank thee for the words of mystic might,
A prophecy for Sariputra’s light.

May we, like thee, become enlightened seers,
Proclaiming truth, dispelling doubts and fears.
Through deeds and faith, in this realm and beyond,
May we aspire, with Buddhas’ bond.

With reverence for the Buddha’s guiding lore,
May we, too, seek to reach the distant shore.
And make a vow, in virtue’s grand embrace,
To tread the path and claim our Buddha’s grace.”