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

The Lotus Sutra, a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, holds a prominent position in East Asian Buddhist traditions.¹ Revered as the final and complete teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha by many, it presents profound concepts such as the One Vehicle (Ekayana) and skillful means (Upaya).¹ These doctrines underscore the Mahayana understanding that all Buddhist paths ultimately converge towards the single goal of Buddhahood, with Buddhas employing diverse and adaptable teaching methods to guide sentient beings.¹ Within this rich tapestry of teachings, the Parable of the Magic City, found in Chapter Seven, stands as a significant allegory illustrating these core principles.² Also known as the Parable of the Phantom City or the Conjured City, this narrative is considered one of the seven major parables within the Lotus Sutra, offering profound insights into the nature of the spiritual journey and the compassionate pedagogy of the Buddha.⁴ This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of this parable, exploring its narrative structure, the symbolism embedded within its elements, its doctrinal significance within the Lotus Sutra, and its diverse interpretations across various Buddhist traditions. By examining these facets, this analysis seeks to elucidate the enduring relevance and profound wisdom contained within the Parable of the Magic City.

II. The Narrative of the Parable

The Parable of the Magic City unfolds with the depiction of a perilous journey undertaken by a group of people seeking a place of rare treasures.⁹ The road stretching before them is described as dangerous, bad, and so fearful that no inhabitants reside in its vicinity, spanning a distance of five hundred yojanas.⁹ To navigate this daunting landscape, the travelers enlist the services of a knowledgeable and wise caravan guide, renowned for their understanding of the treacherous path and their ability to safeguard the group from impending dangers.¹⁰

As the travelers progress on their long and arduous expedition, a sense of weariness and discouragement begins to take hold, particularly as they reach the halfway point.¹⁰ Fatigue from the relentless journey, coupled with the persistent fear of the road’s inherent dangers, leads them to doubt their ability to continue.⁹ Overcome by angst and exhaustion, they start to question the wisdom of their endeavor, even doubting the existence of the treasures that await them at their destination.¹⁰ The allure of their previous lives and the temptation to abandon the arduous journey become increasingly strong as they express their desire to turn back, feeling incapable of taking even a single step further with their ultimate goal still seemingly distant.⁹

Witnessing the travelers’ profound weariness and their palpable desire to abandon their quest for the great treasures, the guide, characterized by wisdom and a deep understanding of expedient means, recognizes the gravity of their situation.⁹ Knowing the immense value of the treasures that await them and lamenting their wish to turn back without attaining them, the guide resolves to employ a skillful strategy.⁹ Utilizing great supernatural powers, the guide miraculously conjures a magnificent city in the midst of the desolate wilderness, strategically placing it at a distance of three hundred yojanas from their initial starting point.⁹ This illusory metropolis is meticulously crafted, adorned with beautiful houses, surrounded by lush gardens, serene forests, and refreshing ponds and pools.⁹ Within its towering gates and grand buildings reside numerous men and women, creating an atmosphere of vibrancy and comfort.⁹ The guide presents this conjured city as a resting place, a sanctuary where the exhausted travelers can find respite and rejuvenate before embarking on the remainder of their journey.¹⁰

Upon beholding this unexpected oasis, the worn-out travelers are overcome with immense joy, exclaiming that they have never experienced such delight before and that they can finally escape the hardships of the perilous road and find peace.⁹ They eagerly make their way towards the magic city, entering its gates and experiencing a profound sense of tranquility, mistakenly believing that they have already traversed the entirety of the arduous path.⁹ They find solace in this temporary haven, thinking that they have already overcome their sufferings and accomplished their goal.⁹

However, once the guide observes that the travelers have sufficiently rested and recovered from their fatigue, the illusory nature of the magic city is revealed.⁹ The guide causes the city to vanish into thin air, declaring that it was merely a conjured illusion created to provide them with a much-needed rest and that the true destination, the place of treasures, is now within close proximity.¹⁰ Gathering the group, the guide urges them to continue their journey with renewed vigor, reminding them of the temporary nature of the magic city and emphasizing the nearness of their ultimate goal.⁹ In relating this parable, the Buddha explicitly identifies with the wise guide, while the weary travelers are likened to sentient beings traversing the often-challenging path towards enlightenment.⁹ The magic city, the Buddha explains, represents the concept of Hīnayāna Nirvāṇa, a temporary cessation of suffering offered as an initial respite, while the true treasure symbolizes the ultimate attainment of Buddhahood.¹¹

III. Symbolic Interpretation of the Parable’s Elements

The Parable of the Magic City is rich with symbolism, with each element carrying a deeper meaning within the context of Buddhist teachings. The guide in the story serves as a potent representation of the Buddha.¹⁰ Described as knowledgeable, clever, wise, and well-informed, the guide mirrors the Buddha’s profound wisdom and comprehensive understanding of the path to liberation.⁹ The guide’s possession of good memory, clear wisdom, and resolute determination further aligns with the Buddha’s esteemed attributes.¹⁰ The act of conjuring the magic city through supernatural powers directly parallels the Buddhist concept of skillful means (Upaya), where the Buddha employs various methods tailored to the needs of sentient beings.¹⁰ The guide’s understanding of the travelers’ weariness and acting out of compassion reflects the Buddha’s boundless compassion for all beings.¹⁰ Furthermore, the guide’s role in motivating and encouraging the travelers to continue their journey after their rest mirrors the Buddha’s guidance towards ultimate enlightenment.¹⁰ Indeed, the Buddha himself, in relating this parable, acts as a wise caravan guide, teaching through example.⁴

The travelers in the parable symbolize sentient beings who are on their own spiritual journey, striving to attain enlightenment.⁹ Their initial aspiration to reach the place of treasures signifies the innate desire for something of profound value.⁹ The fatigue, fear, and discouragement they experience midway through their journey represent the common setbacks and challenges encountered in spiritual practice.⁹ Their desire to turn back highlights the allure of worldly life and the difficulty in maintaining sustained effort on the path.⁹ The Buddha’s direct comparison of the travelers to “us” explicitly confirms this symbolic representation.¹⁰ In some interpretations, the travelers’ initial mindset reflects that of believers in traditional Buddhism who perceive Buddhahood as a distant goal.¹²

The dangerous road that the travelers must traverse, stretching for five hundred yojanas, symbolizes the long and arduous cycle of birth and death (samsara).⁹ Its perilous nature and the fear it instills represent the inherent suffering, illusions, and earthly desires that characterize this cycle.⁹ The vast distance of five hundred yojanas emphasizes the seemingly endless nature of samsara and the significant effort required to transcend it.⁹ In some interpretations, this treacherous path specifically represents earthly desires, including illusions of thought and desire, the hindrances to religious practice, and ignorance.¹⁴

The magic city, conjured at a distance of three hundred yojanas, represents the Nirvana of the Two Vehicles (Arhatship and Pratyekabuddhahood), provisional Buddhist teachings, the temporary relief from suffering that these teachings offer, and the intermediate goals encountered on the path to enlightenment.⁴ Its magical creation and the peace it offers symbolize the Buddha’s skillful means in providing accessible teachings to those not yet ready for the ultimate truth.⁹ The city, while providing genuine rest and rejuvenation, is ultimately an illusion, signifying that these initial stages of spiritual attainment are not the final destination.⁹ It can also be understood as a metaphor for Dependent Origination, representing conventional reality.¹⁰ The distance of three hundred yojanas suggests that it is a significant but not ultimate point in the journey.

Finally, the treasure land symbolizes Buddhahood, true Nirvana, the ultimate goal of the One Vehicle, and the realization of one’s inherent Buddha-nature.⁶ It represents the ultimate liberation and enlightenment that is the true aim of Buddhist practice, a state where all desires are met and true happiness is attained.⁹ In some interpretations, the treasure land is understood to be identical to the phantom city, signifying that Buddhahood is not separate from our current reality but a transformation of it.¹² It is the opening and manifestation of the life state of Buddhahood within each individual.¹⁴

Element of the Parable	Buddhist Symbolism	Supporting Snippet IDs
The Guide	The Buddha	4
The Travelers	Sentient Beings on the Path to Enlightenment	9
The Dangerous Road (500 Yojanas)	The Cycle of Birth and Death (Samsara), Suffering, Illusions, Earthly Desires	9
The Magic City (300 Yojanas)	Nirvana of the Two Vehicles, Provisional Teachings, Temporary Relief, Intermediate Goals	4
The Treasure Land	Buddhahood, True Nirvana, the One Vehicle, Realization of Buddha-Nature	6

IV. The Doctrine of Skillful Means (Upaya)

The Parable of the Magic City serves as a quintessential illustration of the Buddha’s profound understanding and application of skillful means (Upaya).¹ The guide’s deliberate act of conjuring the magic city in response to the travelers’ exhaustion and despair perfectly exemplifies this principle.⁹ This act mirrors the Buddha’s own strategic approach to teaching, where diverse methods and teachings are employed to effectively guide sentient beings towards enlightenment.¹ The entire narrative underscores the significance of tactful means in leading individuals along the spiritual path.³¹ Indeed, the core message of the parable revolves around the appropriate and effective use of skillful means.¹⁵

The Buddha’s rationale for employing skillful means stems from a deep understanding of the varied capacities and inclinations inherent in sentient beings.¹ Initially, the Buddha hesitated to introduce the profound concept of the One Vehicle, fearing that individuals might become discouraged by its perceived difficulty.⁹ Consequently, the Buddha skillfully employed the teachings of the three vehicles—Shravaka, Pratyekabuddha, and Bodhisattva—as gradual steps along the path to awakening.⁹ Recognizing the “mean and timid” nature of the travelers (representing sentient beings), the Buddha, like the wise guide, expediently expounded the teaching of Nirvāṇa through the two vehicles as a temporary resting place during their arduous journey.⁹ This strategic approach, grounded in the Buddha’s all-encompassing wisdom, allows him to discern the specific capacities of different beings and offer teachings that would most benefit them at their current stage of development.²⁶ The Buddha’s pedagogical method involves adapting his discourse to the diverse levels of understanding and spiritual maturity present among his audience.³²

Within this framework, the magic city serves as a powerful symbol representing these provisional teachings, such as the three vehicles, which are offered as stepping stones towards the ultimate realization of Buddhahood.¹ It embodies the expedient means employed by the Buddha to guide individuals towards the supreme enlightenment of Buddhahood.⁶ Specifically, the magic city can be seen as representing the small vehicle Nirvana, a temporary respite created by the Buddha to encourage those weary on the path.¹⁷ The teachings of the two vehicles, Arhatship and Pratyekabuddhahood, are presented not as ultimate goals but rather as necessary “resting places” along the way.⁹ The magic city, therefore, functions as an analogy for the Nirvana of the Two Vehicles, a provisionally spoken expedient term designed to provide comfort and motivation for further progress.¹⁹

V. The Parable and the One Vehicle (Ekayana)

The Parable of the Magic City is intrinsically linked to the central doctrine of the Lotus Sutra: the One Vehicle (Ekayana).¹ The narrative serves as a clear illustration of the principle of replacing the seemingly distinct paths of the three vehicles with the singular, ultimate path of the One Vehicle.⁴ The Buddha explicitly reveals that there is ultimately only the One Buddha-Vehicle, the supreme and all-encompassing path that leads to Buddhahood.¹ The fundamental aim of all Buddhas is to guide sentient beings towards attaining the Buddha’s own profound insight and to enter the very path that leads to this realization.¹ The parable clarifies that the teachings of the two vehicles are presented as a “basking castle,” a temporary refuge designed to prepare beings for the deeper understanding of the One-Buddha-Vehicle law.⁴ Indeed, the Buddhas’ exposition of the Three Vehicles is merely a skillful and compassionate expedient.⁹ The Lotus Sutra itself emphasizes that these seemingly disparate vehicles are, in their essence, skillful means that ultimately converge into the singular path of the One Vehicle.¹

The parable effectively reveals that the various “vehicles” or paths within Buddhism, which might initially appear as distinct and separate, are in fact skillful means strategically employed by the Buddha to guide beings towards the same ultimate destination.¹ The Buddha teaches the three vehicles—Shravaka, Pratyekabuddha, and Bodhisattva—as progressive stages, much like the steps on a challenging journey, ultimately leading to the complete awakening of Buddhahood.⁹ These can be likened to the three carts in the Parable of the Burning House, skillful devices used to liberate all beings, even though the ultimate goal is the single vehicle of Buddhahood.¹ The teachings of the two vehicles, therefore, serve as necessary “resting places,” temporary havens to provide solace and encouragement.⁹ The Buddha himself declares that while he has employed various skillful means, there is ultimately no other vehicle apart from these compassionate strategies used by all Buddhas.¹

VI. Interpretations Across Buddhist Traditions

The Parable of the Magic City, being a central teaching within the Lotus Sutra, has been interpreted through the distinct lenses of various Buddhist traditions.

The Tiantai School, also known as the Lotus School, holds the Lotus Sutra in the highest regard, considering it the supreme and complete doctrine of Buddhism.¹ The founder of this school, Zhiyi, developed a comprehensive system that positioned the Lotus Sutra as the pinnacle of all Buddhist teachings, encompassing and synthesizing various earlier doctrines.³⁴ Tiantai’s approach emphasizes the ultimate truth of the One Vehicle, with all other teachings viewed as provisional steps leading towards the profound revelations contained within the Lotus Sutra.³⁵ Given this emphasis, it is likely that the Tiantai interpretation of the Parable of the Magic City would underscore the temporary nature of the “lesser” vehicle teachings represented by the magic city, highlighting their role in guiding beings towards the ultimate truth of Buddhahood as expounded in the Lotus Sutra. While the provided material mentions Zhiyi’s extensive commentaries on the Lotus Sutra, specific details regarding his interpretation of Chapter Seven or the Parable of the Magic City are not available within this dataset.³⁶ However, his significant work on the Lotus Sutra suggests that he likely addressed this important parable within his broader analysis.

Nichiren Buddhism, founded by the Japanese monk Nichiren, places an unwavering emphasis on the Lotus Sutra as the sole teaching that directly reveals the path to enlightenment for all beings.³⁸ Nichiren identified the essence of the Lotus Sutra as the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.³⁸ This tradition offers a unique and profound interpretation of the Parable of the Magic City, asserting that the phantom city and the treasure land are not separate entities but are, in fact, identical.¹⁴ Nichiren teaches that by embracing the Mystic Law through the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, individuals can realize that their own bodies and minds are inherently the “Wonderful Law,” thus transforming the perceived impermanence of the phantom city into the eternal reality of the treasure land.¹⁴ In this view, the Ten Worlds, representing the various states of life, are all considered phantom cities, and simultaneously, each possesses the potential to be a treasure land when illuminated by the Mystic Law.¹⁴ The single word “identical” in the phrase “the phantom city is identical with the treasure land” is seen as symbolic of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, representing the transformative power of this practice.¹⁴

Zen Buddhism, while often emphasizing direct experience and insight over scriptural study, has also been influenced by the teachings of the Lotus Sutra.¹ Zen’s perspective on the Parable of the Magic City likely aligns with its core principles of non-duality and the importance of the present moment.¹³ The parable’s depiction of a temporary, illusory city followed by the revelation of a nearby treasure could be interpreted through the Zen lens as highlighting the illusory nature of all conceptual distinctions, including that between temporary and ultimate enlightenment.²² The Zen understanding of abiding and non-abiding nirvana, where non-abiding nirvana represents a dynamic peace in the midst of worldly fluctuations, resonates with the parable’s message of moving beyond the temporary comfort of the magic city towards the true treasure.²² The inherent contradictions often found within the Lotus Sutra’s teachings also align with Zen’s paradoxical approach to truth.²² Ultimately, Zen’s interpretation might emphasize the realization that the “treasure land” is not a distant goal but is accessible in the present moment through direct awakening.

Buddhist Tradition	Key Interpretation Points	Supporting Snippet IDs
Tiantai	Emphasizes Lotus Sutra’s supremacy; Magic City as provisional leading to One Vehicle	1
Nichiren	Phantom City identical to Treasure Land; Realization through Nam-myoho-renge-kyo	1
Zen	Emphasizes non-duality; Magic City as temporary, non-abiding Nirvana as ultimate	13

VII. Comparison with Other Lotus Sutra Parables

The Parable of the Magic City shares thematic similarities with other parables found within the Lotus Sutra, particularly in its use of skillful means to guide beings towards enlightenment. When compared to the Parable of the Burning House (Chapter Three), a prominent theme in both narratives is the Buddha’s compassionate use of skillful means to lead sentient beings out of suffering.¹⁰ In the Parable of the Burning House, a father entices his children out of a burning house, symbolizing the world consumed by suffering, by promising them various toy carts.¹ Similarly, in the Parable of the Magic City, the guide conjures a city to lure the weary travelers, representing beings trapped in samsara, to rest and regain their strength.⁹ However, the initial motivation differs: the Burning House emphasizes the urgency of escaping immediate danger, while the Magic City focuses on providing respite during a prolonged and arduous journey.¹⁰ Despite this difference, both parables ultimately point towards a higher goal beyond the initial enticement, with the father in the Burning House offering a superior cart and the guide in the Magic City leading the travelers to the true treasure.¹⁰

A comparison with the Parable of the Wealthy Man and His Poor Son (Chapter Four) reveals a shared theme of individuals being initially unaware of their inherent potential, or Buddha-nature, and the gradual process through which this truth is revealed.¹ In the Parable of the Wealthy Man and His Poor Son, the impoverished son fails to recognize his wealthy father and feels unworthy of his inheritance.¹ The father then employs various skillful means to gradually guide his son towards recognizing his true identity and claiming his rightful inheritance, symbolizing our own potential for Buddhahood.¹ Similarly, in the Parable of the Magic City, the travelers are initially unaware that the “treasure land” of Buddhahood is within reach after their rest in the conjured city.⁹ Both parables highlight the Buddha’s compassionate and skillful guidance in revealing a greater truth about our potential for enlightenment.¹

The Parable of the Medicinal Herbs (Chapter Five) also offers a point of comparison, particularly in its emphasis on the Dharma being universally available yet received and utilized according to the individual capacities of sentient beings.¹ Just as rain falls equally on various plants, nourishing each according to its specific needs and abilities, so too does the Buddha’s Dharma reach all beings, who receive and practice it in accordance with their individual capacities.¹ Similarly, the magic city in the Parable of the Magic City provides rest and rejuvenation tailored to the weariness of the travelers, fulfilling their immediate needs in a way that is universally beneficial to the group.⁹ Both parables underscore the Buddha’s non-judgmental and deeply compassionate approach to guiding all beings towards enlightenment.⁵⁰ While the Parable of the Medicinal Herbs focuses on the individualized reception and utilization of the Dharma, the Parable of the Magic City highlights the provision of a shared, temporary respite that caters to a common need arising during the spiritual journey.

VIII. Relevance and Modern Interpretations

The Parable of the Magic City continues to hold profound contemporary spiritual significance, offering valuable guidance for navigating the challenges and potential disillusionment of modern life.⁶ It serves as a gentle reminder to cultivate loving-kindness towards ourselves and others, acknowledging the fundamental human need for rest, solace, and comfort amidst life’s arduous journeys.¹⁰ The parable encourages individuals to find a healthy balance between dedicated effort and necessary ease, reminding us to be compassionate towards ourselves when the path ahead feels overwhelming, allowing for moments of respite and rejuvenation.¹⁰ In a modern context, the concept of conjuring “phantom cities” in the form of achievable short-term goals can provide motivation and a sense of progress towards larger, long-term aspirations, with the very act of striving towards these goals being imbued with inherent value.⁶ Cultivating a state of mind that finds joy in dedicated effort and views challenges as opportunities for growth and the creation of positive outcomes reflects the shining of Buddhahood within our daily lives.⁶ Ultimately, the parable suggests that each moment experienced, even within the “conjured city” of our temporary realities, can be a moment lived within the “treasure land” of potential enlightenment, emphasizing the significance of the present moment in our spiritual journey.¹⁰

From a psychological perspective, the parable offers insightful parallels to the process of personal growth and goal achievement.¹⁰ The “conjured city” can be interpreted as a metaphor for Dependent Origination, representing our conventional understanding of reality, while the “wilderness” symbolizes the concept of Emptiness or impermanence.¹⁰ The journey undertaken by the travelers can mirror the various stages individuals experience in their spiritual and psychological development, often involving a shift from externally driven beliefs to a more internally grounded and defined sense of self.¹⁰ The parable can also be viewed as a narrative representation of the Four Noble Truths, acknowledging the presence of suffering, identifying its root in our self-perception and attachments, offering hope for the cessation of suffering, and empowering individuals to take control of their path towards transformation and healing.¹⁰ In this light, the conjured city can represent a temporary mental space for rest and reflection, free from the constant noise of rumination and anxiety, allowing our sacred space of practice to become a “treasure land” of inner peace.¹⁰

The parable also carries a profound message regarding desire, illusion, and the pursuit of genuine happiness.² The allure of the magic city, a place where even unspoken desires are seemingly met, highlights the deceptive nature of illusions and the transient satisfaction offered by worldly attachments.² Mistaking the magic city for the ultimate destination represents the danger of becoming complacent with temporary comfort and mistaking fleeting pleasures for true and lasting happiness.¹⁵ The illusory city serves as a potent symbol of the deceptive nature of worldly desires and attachments, which can often ensnare individuals and divert them from their deeper spiritual aspirations.²⁴ While the “phantom city” may provide temporary rest and a feeling of renewed energy, much like the fleeting satisfaction derived from worldly pursuits, its role is ultimately temporary, and the journey towards true fulfillment must continue.¹²

IX. Conclusion

The Parable of the Magic City, a luminous gem within the Lotus Sutra, offers a wealth of insights into the core tenets of Mahayana Buddhism. Through its compelling narrative of a guide leading weary travelers, the parable allegorically depicts the Buddha’s compassionate guidance of sentient beings through the arduous journey of samsara towards the ultimate liberation of Buddhahood. The symbolism embedded within its elements—the wise guide, the striving travelers, the perilous road, the illusory magic city, and the ultimate treasure land—provides a rich framework for understanding the complexities of the spiritual path. The parable stands as a prime illustration of the doctrine of skillful means, showcasing the Buddha’s wisdom in adapting his teachings to the diverse capacities of his audience, offering provisional “resting places” like the magic city to encourage continued progress towards the final goal.

Furthermore, the Parable of the Magic City is inextricably linked to the Lotus Sutra’s central doctrine of the One Vehicle, revealing that the seemingly disparate paths within Buddhism are ultimately skillful means converging towards the single destination of Buddhahood. The parable’s interpretation varies across different Buddhist traditions, with Tiantai emphasizing the Lotus Sutra’s supremacy, Nichiren highlighting the inherent Buddhahood within our present reality, and Zen focusing on non-attachment and the immediacy of enlightenment. Comparisons with other Lotus Sutra parables, such as the Burning House, the Wealthy Man and His Poor Son, and the Medicinal Herbs, reveal shared themes of skillful means, inherent potential, and the diverse reception of the Dharma, while also highlighting the unique emphasis of each narrative.

In the contemporary world, the Parable of the Magic City continues to resonate deeply, offering spiritual guidance for navigating the challenges of modern life. Its message encourages self-compassion, the setting of achievable goals, and the recognition of the present moment’s potential for transformation. Psychologically, the parable touches upon themes of personal growth, the management of expectations, and the importance of self-perception. Ultimately, the Parable of the Magic City serves as a timeless reminder of the illusory nature of fleeting desires and the importance of persevering on the path towards ultimate enlightenment, acknowledging the need for skillful guidance and temporary respite along the way.

Works cited

1. Lotus Sutra – Wikipedia, accessed May 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Sutra
2. Chapter 7: The Parable of a Magic City – 500 Yojanas, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.500yojanas.org/lotus-sutra/chapter7/
3. The Seven Parables in the Lotus Sutra: Shinjo Suguro’s ‘Intro to the LS’, accessed May 7, 2025, https://pounceatron.dreamhosters.com/nichirenscoffeehouse.net/library/LS-7parables.html
4. Myohorengekyo Kejoyuhon Dai Shiti (7) THE PARABLE OF MAGIC CITY – 島根県龍泉寺 龍珠会, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.ryujukai.com/learning-the-lotus-sutra/chapter7/
5. Annotated Myôhôrengekyô (Lotus Sutra), Parable of the Phantom City, Volume 7, accessed May 7, 2025, https://emuseum.nich.go.jp/detail?langId=en&webView=&content_base_id=101025&content_part_id=000&content_pict_id=0
6. Highlights of the January 2024 Study Material – World Tribune, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.worldtribune.org/2023/highlights-of-the-january-2024-study-material/
7. The Lotus Sutra Chapter 7: The Parable of the Phantom City #lotussutra – Pinterest, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/the-lotus-sutra-chapter-7-the-parable-of-the-phantom-city-lotussutra–1022035709164666671/
8. “Parable of the Phantom City” chapter | Dictionary of Buddhism, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/dic/Content/P/15
9. Parable of the Magic City – 500 Yojanas, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.500yojanas.org/parable-of-the-magic-city/
10. Becoming Our Own Guide through the Parable of the Conjured City, accessed May 7, 2025, https://tricycle.org/article/lotus-sutra-conjured-city/
11. Lotus Sūtra | Summary | 2 | Buddhism & Healing – Red Zambala, accessed May 7, 2025, https://buddhism.redzambala.com/lotus-sutra/lotus-sutra-summary-2.html
12. How would you explain: ‘the phantom city is identical with the treasure land.’ Ref: Lotus sutra chap 7? – Quora, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.quora.com/How-would-you-explain-the-phantom-city-is-identical-with-the-treasure-land-Ref-Lotus-sutra-chap-7
13. Parable of the Magic City – Lotus Sutra Excerpts – YouTube, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBT9PDxnAyI
14. Key Passages From The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings …, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.worldtribune.org/2024/key-passages-from-the-record-of-the-orally-transmitted-teachings-part-6/
15. The Message of the Magic City Story | 500 Yojanas, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.500yojanas.org/the-message-of-the-magic-city-story/
16. The Lotus Sutra (The Parable of the Phantom City) – YouTube, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr6bvmSC72w
17. IMPRESSIVE SIMILES OF THE SKILLFUL MEANS IN THE LOTUS SŪTRA: A SIMILE OF THE MAGIC CITY | The Journal of International Buddhist Studies College (JIBSC) – ThaiJO, accessed May 7, 2025, https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/ibsc/article/view/211317
18. parable of the phantom city and the treasure land | Dictionary of Buddhism, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/dic/Content/P/14
19. Akshobhya’s Magic City: Lotus Chapter 7 … – Buddha Weekly, accessed May 7, 2025, https://buddhaweekly.com/lotus-sutra-chapter-7-the-transformed-city-analogy/
20. Lotus Sutra – Chapter 7 – Shurangama Temple, accessed May 7, 2025, https://langnghiem.com/en/lotus-sutra-chapter-7/
21. The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra with Commentary 7 – City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.cttbusa.org/dfs7/dfs7.asp.html
22. Zen and the Lotus Sutra: Chapters 3-14, accessed May 7, 2025, https://pounceatron.dreamhosters.com/nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/Zen-LS-2.html
23. Magic city: Significance and symbolism, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/magic-city
24. The Parable of The Phantom City: Chapter 7 | A Short Story | Nichiren Buddhism – YouTube, accessed May 7, 2025, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EP2zcqRZQE0
25. Lotus Sutra – The Gold Scales, accessed May 7, 2025, http://oaks.nvg.org/lotus-sutra.html
26. An Introduction to Skillful Means – Ancient Dragon Zen Gate, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.ancientdragon.org/an-introduction-to-skillful-means/
27. What is skillful means (upaya)? – Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, accessed May 7, 2025, https://tricycle.org/beginners/buddhism/skillful-means/
28. The Buddha’s Compassionate Use of Skillful Means Leading to Awakening – Than Hsiang Buddhist Research Center, accessed May 7, 2025, http://research.thanhsiang.org/sites/default/files/attachment/Quah%20Chi%20Boon%20-%20Buddha%E2%80%99s%20Compassionate%20Use%20of%20Skillful%20Means.pdf
29. Skillful Means: The Buddhist Teaching on How to Share Your Wisdom – Part 1, accessed May 7, 2025, https://brightwayzen.org/skillful-means-upaya/
30. What Actually Happens in the Lotus Sutra? – Lion’s Roar, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.lionsroar.com/what-happens-in-the-lotus-sutra/
31. rksabuddhistcenter.org, accessed May 7, 2025, https://rksabuddhistcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/GuideLotusSutra.pdf
32. 1 A Modern Interpretation of The Threefold Lotus Sutra Translated by Nikkyo Niwano – Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Center of San Antonio, accessed May 7, 2025, https://rksabuddhistcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BuddhismforToday.pdf
33. How to Read the Lotus Sutra – Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, accessed May 7, 2025, https://tricycle.org/magazine/how-to-read-the-lotus-sutra/
34. Lotus Sūtra – Buddhism – Oxford Bibliographies, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/abstract/document/obo-9780195393521/obo-9780195393521-0093.xml?q=Lotus+Sutra
35. Tiantai | History, Teachings & Practices | Britannica, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tiantai
36. LOTUS SUTRA – Facts and Details, accessed May 7, 2025, https://factsanddetails.com/asian/cat64/sub416/entry-8812.html
37. Embracing Personal Responsibility in The Parable of the Good Physician – Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, accessed May 7, 2025, https://tricycle.org/article/parable-of-the-good-physician/
38. Lotus Sutra | Dictionary of Buddhism | Nichiren Buddhism Library, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/dic/Content/L/56
39. Parables – About Us | Young Men’s Buddhist Association of America, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.ymba.org/books/thus-have-i-heard-buddhist-parables-and-stories/parables
40. Burning House Parable – Lotus Sutra – Age of the Sage, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.age-of-the-sage.org/buddhism/parable_burning_house.html
41. 144 – Lotus Sutra 2: Wake Up! The Parable of the Burning House – The Zen Studies Podcast, accessed May 7, 2025, https://zenstudiespodcast.com/burning-house-parable-lotus-sutra/
42. Seven Parables from the Lotus Sutra – Berkeley Zen Center, accessed May 7, 2025, https://media.berkeleyzencenter.org/Seven-Parables-Lotus-Sutra.pdf
43. Highlights of the October 2023 Study Material – World Tribune, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.worldtribune.org/2023/90383/
44. Seven Parables in Vasubandhu’s Commentary on the Lotus Sutra | 500 Yojanas, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.500yojanas.org/seven-parables-in-vasubandhus-commentary-on-the-lotus-sutra/
45. I read the Lotus Sutra. I didn’t understand it. – Treeleaf Zendo, accessed May 7, 2025, https://forum.treeleaf.org/forum/treeleaf/treeleaf-community-topics-about-zen-practice/archive-of-older-threads/11505-i-read-the-lotus-sutra-i-didn-t-understand-it
46. Abundance in the White Lotus Sutra – Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (FWBO), accessed May 7, 2025, http://madhyamavani.fwbo.org/1/lotus.html
47. The Seven Parables of the Lotus Sutra Animation Series – Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM), accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.sgm.org.my/buddhist_concepts/the-seven-parables-of-the-lotus-sutra-animation-series
48. Appendix C: The Seven Parables of the Lotus Sutra – NBA Nichiren Shu San Francisco Bay Area, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.nichirenbayarea.org/appendix-c
49. The Lotus Sutra Explained – Robert Bourne, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.naturallyyou.co.uk/_webedit/uploaded-files/All%20Files/The_Lotus_Sutra_Explained.pdf
50. 163 – Lotus Sutra 4: Parable of the Plants – Superior, Middling, or Inferior Beings and the Dharma – The Zen Studies Podcast, accessed May 7, 2025, https://zenstudiespodcast.com/parable-of-the-plants-lotus-sutra/
51. Keeping in Mind Our Interbeing Through the Parable of the Medicinal Herbs, accessed May 7, 2025, https://tricycle.org/article/lotus-sutra-medicinal-herbs/
52. The Magic City – 500 Yojanas, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.500yojanas.org/the-magic-city/
53. The Magic City: Studying the Lotus Sutra by Ryusho Jeffus | Goodreads, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23110659-the-magic-city
54. Part 1: Happiness; Chapter 7: Happiness for Both Ourselves and Others [7.6] – Soka Gakkai, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.sokaglobal.org/resources/study-materials/buddhist-study/the-wisdom-for-creating-happiness-and-peace/chapter-7-6.html
55. The Guiding Light of the Lotus Sutra: A Conversation with Lokesh Chandra – Soka Gakkai, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.sokaglobal.org/resources/expert-perspectives/guiding-light-of-lotus-sutra.html
56. The Conversation: The Lotus Sutra − an Ancient Buddhist Scripture from the Third Century − Continues to Have Relevance Today – News, accessed May 7, 2025, https://news.utk.edu/2024/01/03/the-conversation-the-lotus-sutra-%E2%88%92-an-ancient-buddhist-scripture-from-the-third-century-%E2%88%92-continues-to-have-relevance-today/
57. The Lotus Sutra – SGI USA, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.sgi-usa.org/the-humanism-of-the-lotus-sutra/the-lotus-sutra/
58. Buddhism: The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra | Daisaku Ikeda Official Website, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.daisakuikeda.org/main/philos/essays-on-buddhism/buddh-lotus.html
59. Lotus Sutra Awakening – Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, accessed May 7, 2025, https://tricycle.org/magazine/greater-awakening/
60. What is the Lotus Sutra? – Dharma Wheel, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.dharmawheel.net/viewtopic.php?t=44921
61. The Lotus Sutra and its Opening and Closing Sutras: A Beautiful Translation with Deep Love from a Lay Buddhist Practitioner – Amazon.com, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.amazon.com/Lotus-Sutra-Opening-Closing-Sutras/dp/1500930806
62. Chapter 4: Nichiren Daishonin and the Lotus Sutra | Soka Gakkai …, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.sokaglobal.org/resources/study-materials/buddhist-study/the-basics-of-nichiren-buddhism-for-the-new-era-of-worldwide-kosen-rufu/chapter-4.html
63. Lotus Sutra Book Club: Chapter 7: The Parable of the Fantastic Castle-City – Reddit, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/zesl6r/lotus_sutra_book_club_chapter_7_the_parable_of/
64. Chapter 7: The Mission and Practice of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth | Soka Gakkai (global), accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.sokaglobal.org/resources/study-materials/buddhist-study/the-basics-of-nichiren-buddhism-for-the-new-era-of-worldwide-kosen-rufu/chapter-7.html
65. The Lotus Sutra – The Parable of The Phantom City: Chapter 7 | A Short Story – YouTube, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP2zcqRZQE0
66. Development: Madhyamaka and Prajnaparamita Flashcards | Quizlet, accessed May 7, 2025, https://quizlet.com/gb/486467054/development-madhyamaka-and-prajnaparamita-flash-cards/
67. Mind Magic: The Witch’s Guide to Integrating Psychology and Spirituality, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.citywitch.co.uk/integrating-psychology-and-spirituality/
68. Along the Yellow Brick Road: Psychology in Wicked – Psi Chi, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.psichi.org/blogpost/987366/382190/Along-the-Yellow-Brick-Road-Psychology-in-Wicked?tag=All+Things+Psych
69. Magic and the Mind | Psychology Today, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/when-god-talks-back/201204/magic-and-the-mind
70. Ronald Chapman – Magic City Books, accessed May 7, 2025, https://magiccitybooks.com/event/ronald-chapman/
71. Magic, Skepticism, and Success w/ Dr. Richard Wiseman – The Psychology Podcast | iHeart, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-psychology-podcast-96239856/episode/magic-skepticism-and-success-w-dr-270102965/
72. The Marilyn Monroe Effect: The Nonverbal Communication of Confidence – Psych Central, accessed May 7, 2025, https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-marilyn-monroe-effect-the-nonverbal-communication-of-confidence
73. Edith Nesbit, The Magic City – WholeReader, accessed May 7, 2025, https://wholereader.com/magic-city_edith-nesbit/
74. The Magic City by E. Nesbit – Goodreads, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/97089.The_Magic_City
75. The Magic City – E-Book Mecca, accessed May 7, 2025, https://ebook-mecca.com/online/Edith%20Nesbit%20The%20Magic%20City.pdf
76. The Magic City, E. Nesbit – RogerBW’s Blog, accessed May 7, 2025, https://blog.firedrake.org/archive/2015/08/The_Magic_City__E__Nesbit.html
77. Save Magic City: Shield, Rocsanne: 9781450264846: Amazon.com: Books, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.amazon.com/Save-Magic-City-Rocsanne-Shield/dp/1450264840
78. This Strange Way of Dying: Stories of Magic, Desire & the Fantastic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia By Foz Meadows, accessed May 7, 2025, http://strangehorizons.com/wordpress/non-fiction/reviews/this-strange-way-of-dying-stories-of-magic-desire-the-fantastic-by-silvia-moreno-garcia/
79. Buddhist Schools Founded in China – Tiantai, Huayan and Chan, accessed May 7, 2025, https://buddhism-thewayofemptiness.blog.nomagic.uk/buddhist-schools-founded-in-china-tiantai-huayan-and-chan/
80. DIAMOND AND LOTUS SUTRAS AND CHINESE BUDDHIST TEXTS – Facts and Details, accessed May 7, 2025, https://factsanddetails.com/china/cat3/sub11/entry-5592.html
81. Tiantai Lotus Texts – dBET PDF Version © 2017, accessed May 7, 2025, https://bdkamerica.org/download/1901
82. Buddha Universal Surpassing Wisdom turns the Wheel of Dharma, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.dharmawheel.net/viewtopic.php?t=44051
83. The Parables of the Lotus Sutra: An Introspective Contemplative Approach, accessed May 7, 2025, https://tricycle.org/article/lotus-sutra-series/
84. Chapter 7. The Go-honzon – Nichiren Buddhist Church, accessed May 7, 2025, https://sacramentonichirenchurch.org/home/about-nichiren-shu/nichiren-shu-brochures/the-lotus-sutra-and-nichiren/chapter-7-the-go-honzon/
85. Akshobhya | The Five Wisdom Buddhas – The Zen Gateway, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.thezengateway.com/teachings/the-five-wisdom-buddhas-akshobhya

#LotusSutra #MagicCityParable #PhantomCityParable #ConjuredCityParable #BuddhistParable #MahayanaBuddhism #OneVehicle #Ekayana #SkillfulMeans #Upaya #Buddhahood #Nirvana #BuddhistTeachings #BuddhistSymbolism #TiantaiSchool #NichirenBuddhism #ZenBuddhism #Samsara #SpiritualJourney #Enlightenment