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

Source: Chapter 17e of The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law, by William Altig, from Mahayana tradition, emphasizes merit gained from spreading teachings after the Buddha’s death.

Main Themes:

• Immeasurable merit gained through upholding and propagating the Sutra: The chapter stresses that immense spiritual rewards await those who actively engage with the Sutra, particularly after the Buddha’s passing. This engagement takes various forms, including studying, teaching, writing, and even building physical representations of reverence like stupas.
• Devotion as a Path to Enlightenment: The text repeatedly links acts of devotion, both physical and mental, with spiritual progress. It suggests that through dedication to the Sutra, one cultivates the qualities necessary for enlightenment, such as patience, humility, compassion, and wisdom.
• Veneration of the Sutra and its keepers: The text urges readers to show deep respect to those who dedicate themselves to preserving and sharing the Sutra’s teachings. This reverence extends to physical acts of worship and recognizing the individual’s spiritual attainment.

Key Ideas and Facts:

• After the Buddha’s death, the Sutra becomes the primary source of wisdom and guidance. The text repeatedly emphasizes the importance of upholding the Sutra “after the Leader of men’s complete extinction.” This suggests the text was written or compiled sometime after the historical Buddha’s death.
• Specific acts of devotion earn immense merit: The text outlines a detailed list of actions that generate merit, including:
• Building stupas adorned with offerings and relics.
• Constructing and maintaining monasteries for monks and seekers.
• Creating serene gardens and spaces for contemplation.
• Showing respect to those who teach and uphold the Sutra.
• The merit gained is immeasurable, like the vastness of space: The text employs powerful imagery to convey the boundless nature of the rewards.

Notable Quotes:

• “As I’ve mentioned before, a merit immense, Shall be his who keeps this Sutra’s defense.” This sets the stage for the chapter’s central theme.
• “He who keeps or writes this Sutra divine, A path to enlightenment, a wisdom’s design.” This highlights the spiritual benefits of engaging with the Sutra in various ways.
• “As there’s no measure of ether’s embrace…So there’s no measure of this merit grand.” This powerful analogy emphasizes the limitless nature of the merit earned.
• “Wherever the hero pronounces, a Sutra’s ways, A single verse, a wisdom’s embrace, A Stupa build for the highest, a spiritual space.” This demonstrates the profound reverence for those who uphold the Sutra, likening them to enlightened beings.

Overall, this chapter underscores the vital role of the Sutra in Buddhist practice and the profound spiritual rewards associated with its preservation and dissemination. It highlights the interconnectedness of devotion, action, and enlightenment within the Buddhist path.