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

And so, the Lord expressed these truths in the following verses:

Listen to this sacred Sūtra with focused heart and mind,
For rare is the chance to hear, and rarer still to find belief in kind.

Like a man in search of water, digging in an arid land,
Finding only dry and white sand, in his desperate, thirsty hand.

He thinks the water’s far away, this dry sand tells the tale,
But when moist and smooth it turns, hope begins to prevail.

So too are those far from truth, who’ve not heard this Sūtra’s call,
Who’ve failed to meditate on it, and grasp its meaning overall.

But those who’ve heard and pondered deep, this profound king of teachings,
Are wise and near enlightenment, their understanding reaching.

Enter the abode of wisdom, don the robe of patience dear,
Sit upon the seat of voidness, let your preaching ring clear.

The strength of kindness is my home; forbearance is my dress,
Abstraction is my resting place; from here, the truth express.

If clods or sticks or threats appear, be patient and think of me,
My body’s spread through regions vast, teaching all to see.

To the brave who shares this Sūtra, after I have gone,
I’ll send many creations to honor him, and help his words live on.

If some attack with taunts and threats, my creations will defend,
And if he’s alone in study, in wild places or mountain bends,

I’ll show my luminous body, help him remember what he forgot,
In solitude or wilderness, my presence he’ll know a lot.

Gods and goblins I will send, to keep him company,
Such are the blessings he’ll enjoy, whether preaching or in solitary.

His speech will flow without a hindrance, understanding all he sees,
Satisfying countless beings, blessed by the Buddha, at ease.

Those in his care will soon become wise Bodhisattvas true,
Cultivating intimacy, seeing Buddhas as numerous as Ganges’ sands in view.