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

A soulful blend of Eastern philosophy and Western blues-folk traditions, “Sutra of the Lonesome Pilgrim” takes listeners on a spiritual journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Inspired by the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, the song weaves vivid imagery of dusty roads, crossroads, and cosmic trains with timeless themes of compassion, interconnectedness, and awakening. Perfect for seekers and music lovers alike, this song bridges ancient wisdom with the raw emotion of the blues, capturing the universal human quest for meaning and peace.

Verse 1:

On a dusty road, with my soul laid bare
Seeking truth in a world of despair
Ancient wisdom calls from across the sea
The Lotus Sutra beckons to me

Chorus A:

Oh, lonesome pilgrim, hear the Dharma’s call
Every step you take, you’re giving your all
The path to enlightenment, it ain’t always clear
But the Buddha’s teachings are always near

Verse 2:

In the Mississippi Delta, where the blues were born
I heard the echoes of a spiritual dawn
The suffering of man, like a mournful song
Resonates with the truths I’ve known all along

Chorus A’:

Oh, lonesome pilgrim, on this winding road
Let the Dharma lighten your heavy load
Every being you meet has Buddha nature inside
In this cosmic journey, we’re all along for the ride

Verse 3:

From the crossroads where old Robert Johnson stood
To the Bodhi tree where all is understood
The middle way between excess and lack
Guides this weary traveler back on track

Chorus A”:

Oh, lonesome pilgrim, don’t you lose your way
The Lotus Sutra teaches us every day
Through skillful means and compassion true
Enlightenment’s path opens up for you

Verse 4:

In the realm of the Buddhas, past, present, and yet to come
All beings are one, like the beat of a drum
The cycle of rebirth, like a blues refrain
Keeps on turning ’til we break the chain

Chorus A”’:

Oh, lonesome pilgrim, hear the Dharma’s sound
In every heartbeat, in every town
The Buddha’s wisdom, it flows like a stream
Awakening you from this samsaric dream

Verse 5:

The parable of the burning house rings true
As we cling to illusions, not knowing what to do
But the father’s skillful means show the way
To lead all beings to a brighter day

Chorus A””:

Oh, lonesome pilgrim, open up your eyes
The truth of emptiness, it never dies
In the unity of all, find your peace
Let the wisdom of the Lotus release

Bridge:

(Spoken with musical accompaniment)
Now listen here, fellow travelers on this cosmic train
The Lotus Sutra teaches that we’re all the same
Whether high or low, rich or poor
We all got Buddha nature at our core
So let’s join hands and voices too
And chant the Dharma, old and new

Verse 6:

As I reach the end of this long, long road
My heart feels lighter, I’ve shed my load
The Lotus Sutra, like a guiding light
Has shown this pilgrim wrong from right

Final Chorus:

Oh, lonesome pilgrim, your journey’s done
In the great Dharma, we are all one
From the Delta blues to the Eastern shore
The Lotus wisdom opens every door

(Repeat Final Chorus and fade)