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

“The Treasure Tower” is a cinematic folk-rock journey that builds from a single acoustic guitar and vocal into a soaring, full-band spiritual experience.

Drawing inspiration from the epic imagery of the Lotus Sutra, the song tells the story of a profound revelation. It charts the journey from sitting on the “hard earth” as a humble seeker to witnessing the miraculous appearance of the great Stūpa—a tower of gold and lapis lazuli that shakes the ground and fills the air with celestial music.

But the true miracle isn’t just the tower in the sky; it’s the discovery of the “priceless gem” within.

Featuring a dynamic arrangement that moves from sparse folk to electric gospel-blues, the song’s soaring slide guitar, rich Hammond organ, and thunderous percussion capture the awe of the moment. “The Treasure Tower” is a song about awakening—about realizing that the divine truth we seek outside is the same truth we’ve carried inside us all along.

Lyrics:

[Verse 1: The Heavy Ground and the Precursor]

I was sitting on the hard earth, every joint began to ache
I was seeking simple peace, for the old law’s sake

The Lord went into stillness, meditation deep and vast
And then the whole wide Buddha-land, it woke up at last

It didn’t groan, it humm’d, six ways it shook the ground
It trembled in its reverence, then it danced and tossed around

Felt that divine energy, so awesome and so real
I knew a mighty secret was about to be revealed.

[Chorus: The Immediate Sensory Revelation]

Oh, the Stūpa arose, five hundred yojanas high!
Gold and lapis lazuli piercin’ up the sky 

That scent of holy incense… filled my lungs 
Then the great, deep voice inside, that celestial tongue

It cried: “Excellent, excellent, Lord Sākyamuni!” 
Now I know the truth is coming for me.

[Verse 2: Sight and Adornment]

I looked upon that Tower, so beautiful and vast
Made of seven precious substances, built forever-more to last 

That silver, pearl, and carnelian, burnin’ in the light 
With lapis, gold, and agate, what a heavenly sight 

The gods from up in paradise strewed down their floral rain
White cloth whirled down in thousands, washing away the pain

The banners and the triumphal streamers caught the wind
Told me this ain’t no extinction, this is where the truth begins.

[Chorus: The Immediate Sensory Revelation]

Oh, the Stūpa arose, five hundred yojanas high!
Gold and lapis lazuli piercin’ up the sky 

That scent of holy incense… filled my lungs 
Then the great, deep voice inside, that celestial tongue

It cried: “Excellent, excellent, Lord Sākyamuni!” 
Now I know the truth is coming for me.

[Verse 3: Auditory Wonders]

The jeweled chimes and bells were ringing, sweet, tender, and clear 
The melody flowed through the world, takin’ all my fear 
I heard celestial music, it pulled me right up near

Then I heard the Buddhas answer, like thunder breakin’ truth 
The Master called his other forms to give the final proof 
I heard ten-thousand finger-snaps, echoin’ off the roof

A mighty, joyful thunder, through all of time and space 
Affirming one Great Vehicle… for all the human race .

[Bridge: The Hidden Gem and the New Path]

I thought I was satisfied, just beggin’ for my bread
A pauper on the low road, full of ancient dread

But the Master, knowin’ secrets I could never see
Had tied a priceless jewel right inside of me

That gem of all-knowin’ wisdom, I had… but I couldn’t see
I was blind until this Tower… it set me free

Now I wear the robe of patience, and I stand up in the light
I’m no low-road disciple… I’m a Buddha in my own right.

[Chorus: The Immediate Sensory Revelation]

Oh, the Stūpa arose, five hundred yojanas high!
Gold and lapis lazuli piercin’ up the sky 

That scent of holy incense… filled my lungs
Then the great, deep voice inside, that celestial tongue

It cried: “Excellent, excellent, Lord Sākyamuni!” 
Now I know the truth is coming for me.

[Outro]