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

“The Wise Physician’s Blues” is a soulful folk blues ballad inspired by a parable from the Lotus Sūtra. It tells the story of a wise physician who offers healing medicine to his poisoned children, only to find that some refuse the cure. Through haunting melodies and raw, heartfelt lyrics, the song explores themes of suffering, delusion, and the transformative power of faith and choice. Whether you’re walking a spiritual path or simply searching for meaning in the struggle, this song invites you to reflect on the “medicine” we’re offered in life—and the courage it takes to accept it. Let the music guide you from darkness into light.

Verse 1
Well, the children were a-sufferin’, poison in their veins,
Lost in the darkness, chained by their pains.
The old man came home, with a cure in his hand,
But some turned away, couldn’t understand.

Chorus
Oh, the medicine’s sweet, but the mind’s gone astray,
Can’t see the light, though it’s bright as the day.
The wise physician cries, “Take what I give,”
But the poisoned heart don’t know how to live.

Verse 2
He said, “This here medicine, it’s good and it’s true,
It’ll heal your soul, make you whole, make you new.”
Some took it gladly, their faith was strong,
But others just doubted, said, “Something feels wrong.”

Chorus
Oh, the medicine’s sweet, but the mind’s gone astray,
Can’t see the light, though it’s bright as the day.
The wise physician cries, “Take what I give,”
But the poisoned heart don’t know how to live.

Bridge
Delusion’s a river, it runs deep and wide,
Blinds every eye, turns the truth to a lie.
But the father keeps callin’, his love never fades,
Even for the lost ones, lost in the shade.

Verse 3
Now the ones who took the cure, they walk in the sun,
Their battles are over, their freedom is won.
But the others still wander, in shadows they stay,
Too proud to reach out, too scared to pray.

Chorus
Oh, the medicine’s sweet, but the mind’s gone astray,
Can’t see the light, though it’s bright as the day.
The wise physician cries, “Take what I give,”
But the poisoned heart don’t know how to live.

Outro
So if you’re feelin’ lost, and the world’s gone cold,
There’s a cure for the poison, a hand to hold.
Don’t let your doubt keep you chained to the night,
Step into the healing, step into the light.