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

This excerpt is from Chapter 12a of “The Great Teachings of The Lotus of the True Law,” by William Altig. It recounts a past life of the Buddha. The passage highlights the lengths he went to in his pursuit of the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra is the central text of Mahayana Buddhism.

Main Themes:

• Unwavering Determination: The story emphasizes the Buddha’s single-minded pursuit of enlightenment over countless lifetimes. He was willing to relinquish worldly possessions. This action showed how committed and powerful he was. “Once I firmly resolved to attain supreme and perfect enlightenment, my mind never wavered from that goal.”
• Selfless Sacrifice: The text details the sacrifices the Buddha made in his past life as King Dharmika. He gave away vast wealth, even his family and kingdom, to find the truest Dharma. He willingly became a servant to a Seer, performing menial tasks for a thousand years without complaint. This highlights the selfless nature of his pursuit.
• The Value of the Lotus Sutra: The excerpt implies the immense value placed on the Lotus Sutra. It’s portrayed as the ultimate spiritual teaching, worth any sacrifice to obtain. The king’s arduous search underscores its significance.

Important Ideas/Facts:

• The Six Perfections (Pāramitās): These are virtues essential to the Buddhist path: generosity, morality, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom. The text mentions the king’s dedication to completing these perfections.
• Dharmika, the Law-abiding King: This past life of the Buddha shows a ruler who embodies righteousness. He is dedicated to the pursuit of truth. He prioritizes duty over personal pleasure and tirelessly seeks the best spiritual law.
• The Role of the Seer: The Seer represents a spiritual guide who possesses the knowledge of the Lotus Sutra. He tests the king’s commitment by demanding years of service, illustrating the importance of a genuine desire for truth.

Key Quotes:

• “Yet, never did I feel self-satisfied.” – This showcases the king’s constant yearning for higher spiritual understanding, driving him beyond material fulfillment.
• “I will do the work of a servant for you.” – This illustrates the king’s utter humility and willingness to submit himself entirely to gain spiritual knowledge.
• “Weariness did never creep, Body, mind in truth’s embrace steep” – This verse highlights the king’s unwavering dedication. He experienced no mental exhaustion. He also faced no physical exhaustion in his pursuit of truth.

This excerpt serves as a powerful example of the dedication required on the Buddhist path. It highlights the value of the Lotus Sutra. It also underscores the unwavering commitment needed to attain enlightenment. Additionally, it stresses the importance of selflessness and sacrifice in spiritual growth.