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

Bodhi Tree Blues is a slow-shuffle folk-blues hymn born from the Lotus Sūtra’s Chapter 17 promise of immediate awakening.

A warm finger-picked guitar and mournful harmonica set the groove, while a gospel-style choir lifts the chorus like a sunrise.

The song celebrates the truth that every breath and every step are sacred—each of us already seated under the Bodhi tree, each moment a living stūpa of awakening.

It’s porch-front blues for a world of conflict, inviting everyone to sit down, breathe, and discover that enlightenment is here and now.

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Lyrics: 

(Slow shuffle in A minor, 12/8 feel—think Mississippi John Hurt meets early Dylan)

[Verse 1]
In a world of dust and trouble,
where the night feels long and cold,
the Buddha’s voice keeps rollin’—
sayin’ your heart’s already whole.
No need to chase a far-off dawn,
the timeless sun’s inside.
Right where you stand is holy ground,
you can’t run and you can’t hide.

[Chorus]
Sit down under your Bodhi tree,
it’s been waitin’ all along.
Every breath’s a living stūpa,
every heartbeat sings the song.
No kalpas of weary wanderin’,
no future life to buy—
the Dharma blooms this very day,
beneath your Texas sky.

[Verse 2]
They said merit needs a thousand lives,
a million gifts to sow.
But one clear chant, one faithful heart,
is all you need to know.
The cause and fruit are one bright spark,
like lightning through the rain;
read, recite, embrace the truth—
you’re free of birth and chain.

[Chorus]
Sit down under your Bodhi tree,
it’s been waitin’ all along.
Every breath’s a living stūpa,
every heartbeat sings the song.
No kalpas of weary wanderin’,
no future life to buy—
the Dharma blooms this very day,
beneath your Texas sky.

[Bridge]
Persecution’s gonna holler,
like a black dog at your door.
But the harder that wind is blowin’,
the more your roots will soar.
Ajita stands beside you,
future Buddha by your side;
this world of conflict’s temple ground—
let the fearless vow be your guide.

[Final Chorus – soft then rising]
Sit down under your Bodhi tree,
it’s been waitin’ all along.
Every breath’s a living stūpa,
every heartbeat sings the song.
No kalpas of weary wanderin’,
no future life to buy—
the Buddha walks this very road,
with you beneath the sky.