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

We’ve all said it, or at least thought it, about someone we know: “They live in their own world.” It’s a common phrase, a shorthand to describe someone who seems distant, preoccupied, or tuned into a different frequency than our own. We usually mean it as a casual observation, a way to explain a gap in understanding.

But what if this offhand remark touches upon a profound spiritual truth? What if it’s less an accusation and more an acknowledgment of a fundamental, beautiful truth about the human condition? An ancient parable from the Buddhist Lotus Sūtra offers a radical perspective on this idea, one that can transform how we see others and unlock the hidden potential in all our relationships.

1. Every Person is a Universe

The insight comes from a dramatic moment in the Lotus Sūtra. A great tower has mysteriously “sprung up from underground,” and from within, the voice of the “Many-Treasures Buddha” proclaims the truth of the teachings. But before Śākyamuni Buddha can open the door to this tower, he must first summon all the other Buddhas from their own worlds scattered across the universe. The source text draws a direct parallel from this cosmic gathering to our daily lives, stating, “We are surrounded by as many worlds as there are people in our lives.”

This is a powerful reframing of human interaction. It asks us to stop seeing others as minor characters in the story of our own life. Instead, it invites us to recognize each person as the protagonist of their own epic—a universe teeming with its own private triumphs, unspoken sorrows, and unique constellations of thought. When we truly grasp this, our perception shifts from judgment to a sense of awe and curiosity.

2. Real Connection is an Act of ‘Summoning’

If every person is a world unto themselves, how do we bridge the immense distance between us? The parable reveals that the treasures within another person are not freely accessible. Like the tower of the ‘Many-Treasures Buddha,’ the door is locked until a specific condition is met: we must first perform the intentional act of ‘summoning.’ Just as Śākyamuni had to actively call upon the other Buddhas before he could open the door, we are encouraged to consciously call forth the highest potential—the “Buddha-Nature”—within others.

This is a counter-intuitive but deeply empowering way to think about our interactions. It means that creating a genuine connection isn’t a passive event we wait for. It is an active process of using the best of ourselves—our compassion, our sincerity, our wisdom—to invite the best in them to emerge. It transforms every conversation from a simple exchange into a dynamic and creative act of building a bridge between two distinct universes.

3. Your Relationships Contain Hidden Treasures

The ultimate payoff for adopting this perspective is profound. The parable illustrates that the act of summoning is the essential key that unlocks the door. When we engage in this mutual calling forth, we open ourselves to riches we couldn’t otherwise access. These aren’t material goods, but the invaluable gifts that emerge from true connection: a deeper understanding, unexpected moments of shared creativity, profound empathy, and the kind of support that can only come from truly seeing and honoring the complete universe within another person.

The parable makes this promise explicit, offering a powerful motivation to change our approach:

When we summon their Buddha-Nature using our Buddha-Nature, we open doors to treasures we can barely imagine.

A Final Thought

This brief parable offers a complete shift in perspective. It encourages us to move from passively observing the seemingly separate worlds of others to actively engaging with them. By seeing each person as a universe and connection as a conscious act of summoning, we stop being isolated observers and become co-creators of bridges between worlds.

It leaves us with a compelling challenge. The next time you interact with someone, consider the vast world they inhabit. Then, ask yourself: What treasures might be waiting inside the people around you, and how might you begin to summon them?