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

And in that moment, the Lord spoke these verses:

Seeker of truth, aspiring to be wise,
Honor the keepers of this sacred prize;
The path to Buddhahood, the knowledge of Self,
Is found in the doctrine they lovingly shelf.

Desire for all-knowing, longing to see,
Learn this Sūtra’s words or honor those who decree;
A quest for wisdom, a journey to embark,
Begins with reverence and an open heart.

Sent by the world’s Lord to teach and embrace,
With compassion for mankind, he recites in grace;
A messenger of love, a guide to the way,
Sharing the Sūtra, leading souls not astray.

Leaving a lofty perch, the great one arrives,
Compassion for mankind in his heart thrives;
Keeping this Sūtra, a treasure so dear,
Guiding the lost through love, drawing them near.

Preaching this Sūtra, unsurpassed and divine,
His position lends force to these words so fine;
In the last times, he’s seen, wisdom to share,
Offering truths so rare, beyond compare.

Honor the preacher with flowers and scent,
Deck him with cloth divine, jewels well-meant;
A teacher of law, a beacon so bright,
Deserves admiration, reverence in sight.

Salute him with hands joined, as if he’s the Chief,
In dreadful last days, he’s the Sūtra’s relief;
Honor and respect, for wisdom he keeps,
The Extinct Buddha’s words, where enlightenment sleeps.

Give food, shelter, robes, in honor of his task,
For even once speaking Sūtra’s truth, all one may ask;
A tribute to wisdom, a feast for the soul,
An offering of love, making seekers whole.

Tasked by the Tathāgatas, sent to mankind,
In last days, he’ll copy, keep, hear, and unbind;
This Sūtra’s wisdom, a treasure to share,
A guide to enlightenment, compassion to declare.

Speak ill in my presence, wicked of heart,
Commit a great sin, from truth depart;
But harm the guardians of this profound end,
A greater sin still, a wrong to amend.

Praise me with stanzas, joy in your heart,
Merit you’ll find, from sorrow depart;
But greater still the praise for the preacher,
Honor his wisdom, become a true seeker.

Eighteen thousand kotis, a worship so grand,
Words, scents, touch, across the vast land;
But hear this Sūtra once, an advantage so great,
An amazingly wondrous spiritual state.