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

A Poem

When swords and sticks and stones arrive,
And cruel words cut deep,
The ancient Buddha taught a way
For strength that we can keep.

They call it Kṣānti—patience—
But not the quiet kind,
It’s not about just taking abuse
Or being meek and blind.

It’s “determined refusal to be beaten down,”
A fire that won’t go out,
It’s standing firm when storms arrive,
Despite your fear and doubt.

Three pathways lead to inner strength,
Three ways to build your might:
First, face your own hard times with grace—
The pain, the loss, the fright.

Second, when others hurt or mock,
Don’t let their poison spread,
Stay calm, stay strong, release the rage
That screams inside your head.

And third, accept the deepest truth:
Nothing lasts, not even “you,”
When ego fades, there’s nothing left
For cruelty to cut through.

But here’s the secret, here’s the key,
The wisdom that feels new:
Compassion doesn’t mean you stay
When someone’s hurting you.

Set boundaries, walk away,
Protect yourself with care—
It’s wise and kind to both of you
To put strong fences there.

You stop them from creating harm,
You shield yourself from pain,
And from a place of centered calm,
Your strength and love remain.

Like firefighters wear their suits
While saving those in need,
You can have a patient heart
While doing a protective deed.

Internal peace, external walls—
Both working as a team,
You’re strong enough to not strike back,
And wise enough to leave.

So when the world brings sticks and stones,
Remember what is true:
Real patience is unbreakable strength
That also honors you.