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

This chapter of The Great Teachings of The Lotus of the True Law uses a powerful extended metaphor. It illustrates the journey to enlightenment as described in the Lotus Sutra.

The key themes and ideas are:

1. The Delayed Enlightenment of the Buddha:

The poem starts by highlighting the long journey of the Buddha toward enlightenment:

“Ten kalpas sought, but not enlightened, Still the essence he had sighted.”

This emphasizes the arduous path and the perseverance required to reach Buddhahood.

2. The Universality of the Buddha’s Teachings:

The poem emphasizes that the Buddha’s teachings are meant for all beings:

“All existences spring, he declared, From what came before, he shared.”

3. The Stages of Enlightenment:

The journey is depicted as a progression, starting from ignorance and suffering:

“From Ignorance, the Seer began, Death, endless woe, the human span,”

and moving through various stages of discipleship and understanding to ultimately reach Buddhahood.

4. The Role of the Teacher (The Guide):

The poem uses the analogy of a guide leading people through a dangerous forest. It represents the role of a teacher in guiding individuals toward enlightenment. The guide provides temporary comfort and respite but ultimately urges them to continue striving toward their goal:

“This city’s my magic, listen and hear. Fatigued, I saw you, this device I’ve employed, Strain your energy, the Isle you’ll enjoy.”

5. The Skillful Means of Teaching:

The guide uses a magical city to motivate the travelers. This represents the “skillful means” employed by enlightened beings. They use this to encourage and lead others towards enlightenment. The poem reveals that what may appear as different paths (the three vehicles) ultimately lead to the same destination:

“It’s an artifice, great Seers, three vehicles they show, One vehicle’s the truth, two more help you grow.”

6. The Ultimate Goal: Buddhahood:

The poem concludes by emphasizing the ultimate goal of the journey – attaining Buddhahood and its inherent qualities:

“Ten powers of Jinas, Buddhas you’ll be, Marked by signs, in rest you’ll be free.”

The poem uses vivid imagery and symbolism. It depicts the journey of enlightenment as challenging but ultimately rewarding. The guide represents the teacher or the teachings. This guide plays a crucial role in leading individuals through various stages. These stages lead towards the ultimate goal of Buddhahood.