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

Inspired by a timeless spiritual paradox, “The Open Gate” is a blues-folk story that suggests the most profound truth isn’t hidden away for the chosen few—it’s accessible to everyone.

Using the ancient parable of a loving father saving his children from a burning house, the song explores the idea that the greatest wisdom doesn’t require immense skill or a lifetime of practice, but simply an open heart. With a soulful, acoustic groove, “The Open Gate” is a reminder that the path to peace is not a steep mountain to be climbed, but a door standing wide open for all.

Lyrics

(Intro – Acoustic guitar and a single, long slide guitar note)

(Verse 1)

Some folks try to climb a mountain, thinkin’ that’s the only way

Practice hard for countless ages, just to see a brighter day

They believe you gotta be a scholar, or a saint of high degree

That only the strongest souls can find the key to be set free

And for them, that road is true, but it’s a hard and lonely state

It takes a will of iron just to get past the first gate

(Chorus)

But the Teacher, in his wisdom, he turned it all around

Said the truest, deepest teaching is for the lowest ground

Some paths say you must be worthy, before you even start

But the real Truth is a river, for every broken heart

It don’t depend on your own power, your wisdom or your might

It’s the power of the Love itself that brings the darkness into light

(Verse 2)

They tell a story ’bout a Father, watchin’ his whole house burn down

His children played inside with toys, the most distracted kids in town

He called out, “I’ve got precious treasures, wonders to behold!”

A loving lure to save them from that ruin, weak and old.

But he didn’t give those separate gifts, when they were safe and near, 

He gave them one great open road, and put an end to all their fear.

(Chorus)

‘Cause the Teacher, in his wisdom, he turned it all around

Said the truest, deepest teaching is for the lowest ground

Some paths say you must be worthy, before you even start

But the real Truth is a river, for every broken heart

It don’t depend on your own power, your wisdom or your might

It’s the power of Love itself that brings darkness into light

(Bridge)

In these modern, troubled days, the world is full of strife

The old maps are all faded, they’ve lost the power for this life

So you don’t need a grand cathedral, don’t need a scholar’s mind

The only thing that’s asked of you is the faith that you can find

Just a simple act of trust, a whispered prayer or tune

To awaken that bright Spirit, that’s been sleeping in the gloom

(Outro)

Yeah, the gate is standin’ open, for the sinner and the saint

For the fisherman’s child, the warrior, for the weary and the faint

The truest teaching… is for the lowest stage…