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

Again, Ajita, consider the person who, after hearing these teachings about the infinite lifespan of the Enlightened One, grasps, delves into, and comprehends them. Such a person will generate an even more vast accumulation of spiritual virtue, leading to the wisdom of a Buddha.

And it goes without saying that the merit is even greater for those who not only hear these teachings but also share them with others; who remember, read, and help others understand them; who write or have them written down, compile them, and honor them with offerings of flowers, incense, fragrant garlands, ointments, powders, cloth, umbrellas, flags, streamers, and lamps filled with oil or ghee. Such acts will lead to an even more immense accumulation of spiritual virtue, guiding them toward the knowledge of a Buddha.

Again, Ajita, a clear sign of a young man or woman of noble character who truly believes in the teachings of the Enlightened One’s infinite life, is this: They will envision me here on Gridhrakuta Mountain, teaching the Law, surrounded by spiritual leaders and disciples. They will see my sacred land in this world, made of lapis lazuli, with golden threads and jeweled trees, and the towers that the spiritual leaders inhabit.

Such a vision, Ajita, confirms their steadfast belief. Moreover, if after my passing, a young person joyfully accepts these teachings, reads and remembers them, and carries them with respect, they have demonstrated true belief. They need not build shrines or monasteries for me, nor offer physical gifts. By simply honoring these teachings, they’ve spiritually built magnificent structures reaching up to the divine world adorned with all manner of precious things.

Their worship with celestial and earthly offerings, music, and dance, carried out through countless ages, is deemed sufficient. Those who remember, read, and share these teachings after my passing will have, in essence, built grand monasteries, furnished with every comfort, and they will be considered as having seen me face-to-face and fully blessed.

The merit gained by those who practice charity, morality, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom alongside these teachings is immense, boundless, and infinite, like the vast sky. They will be dedicated to honoring my shrines, praising the virtues of the great spiritual leaders, teaching others, living a moral and agreeable life, showing tolerance, and striving for enlightenment.

Any spiritual leader who keeps these teachings after my passing will possess the qualities I have described. Such a person is on the path to enlightenment. Wherever they stand, sit, or walk should be considered a sacred place, and the world should recognize it as a shrine to the Enlightened One.