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

And on that occasion, the Lord spoke the following verses:

In the chain, the fiftieth to hear,
A single verse from this Sutra clear,
With placid mind and joy embraced,
Vast merit in their heart is traced.

Imagine a man, giving alms with grace,
To countless beings, a smiling face,
For eighty years, he satisfies,
Their earthly needs, ‘neath endless skies.

But seeing age, their faces lined,
Grey-headed time, he’s so inclined,
“Alas,” he thinks, “decay is near,
Let me guide them to the law, so dear.”

Teaching the law, Nirvana’s state,
“Like a mirage,” he does relate,
“Hasten to see the illusion’s dance,
Be free from existence’s transient trance.”

Those creatures hearing wisdom’s voice,
As Arhats, they rejoice,
Free from flaws, in life’s last phase,
Enlightenment’s path, they brightly blaze.

Yet greater still, the merit earned,
By one who hears, tradition unturned,
A single verse, joyfully received,
Former’s merit scarcely perceived.

Endless merit, vast and wide,
From hearing a verse, can’t be denied,
How much more, if face to face,
Wisdom’s words, they warmly embrace?

And if one encourages, with earnest plea,
“Go, hear the law, so rare to see,
In countless eons, a treasure rare,”
The urging heart does deeply care.

If heeded, even for a fleeting glance,
Hear the Sutra, in wisdom’s dance,
Mouth disease shall never claim,
A place in life’s unfolding frame.

Tongue unscarred, teeth firmly set,
Never black, yellow, nor misplaced,
Lips unmarred, beauty’s trace,
A graceful presence, no loathsome face.

His face not wry, nor lean, nor long,
Nose well-shaped, where it belongs,
Forehead, teeth, lips, round face divine,
Beauty’s grace in perfect line.

Pleasant aspect, loved by men,
Mouth sweet-scented, time and again,
Emitting fragrance, lotus sweet,
A presence pure, none can beat.

Wise and seeking, from home he goes,
To monastery, where wisdom flows,
Listening briefly, mind so still,
Hear the blessings of his will.

Fair of body, strong and true,
Horse-drawn carriages, a stately view,
Elevated, gem-adorned rides,
Elephants and pride abides.

Litter ornate, carried by throngs,
Such blessed fruit to him belongs,
From going to hear the preaching bright,
Spiritual wisdom, his guiding light.

For this pious act, he’ll find his place,
Seats of Indra, Brahma’s grace,
Thrones of kings, in assembly grand,
The blessings of the law at hand.