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

The Encouragement of Universal Worthy Bodhisattva: An Analysis of a Pivotal Vow in the Lotus Sutra

The Lotus Sutra, revered across East Asia, stands as a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, distinguished by its profound teachings on the inherent potential for Buddhahood in all beings and the skillful means employed by Buddhas to guide them.1 This influential scripture emphasizes that the supreme state of enlightenment, characterized by boundless compassion, wisdom, and courage,…

William Altig

April 9, 2025

Chapter 28

Bodhisattva Path, Bodhisattva Vows, Buddhist Commentary, Buddhist Imagery, Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist practice, Buddhist Symbolism, Chapter 28, Dharma Flower Sutra, Dharma Protection, Encouragement Chapter, Enlightenment, Harmony with Reality, Interdependence, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana Buddhism, Nichiren Buddhism, One Vehicle, Samantabhadra, Six Paramitas, Six Tusked Elephant, Skillful Means, Sutra Recitation, Universal Worthy Bodhisattva, White Elephant
Once I Was Fame Seeker

“Once I Was Fame Seeker” is a folk-blues reflection on the ancient path of transformation and purpose. Inspired by Chapter 1 of the Lotus Sūtra, this song gives voice to the past life of Maitreya Bodhisattva—when he was known as Yaśaskāma, the Fame Seeker. Blending timeless Buddhist wisdom with modern soul, the song explores how…

William Altig

April 8, 2025

music

acoustic, Blues, Bodhisattva, books, Buddhist, devotion, Dharma, Enlightenment, fame seeker, Folk, Folk Blues, inner light, karma, Lotus Sutra, mahayana, Maitreya, Manjusri, music, original song, path, poetry, Religion, seeker, Soul, SoundCloud, Spiritual Music, Transformation, Upaya, vow, william altig, wisdom, writing
The Enduring Promise: Finding Enlightenment Amidst Hardship in Nichiren Daishonin’s Letter to Myoichi Ama

Nichiren Daishonin (1222-1282) stands as a transformative figure in the history of Japanese Buddhism, renowned for his unwavering devotion to the Lotus Sutra and the establishment of a distinct school of Buddhist thought.1 His life unfolded during the tumultuous Kamakura period in Japan, an era marked by social and political upheaval.6 Amidst this backdrop, Nichiren…

William Altig

April 7, 2025

Nichiren

13th-century Japan, Atsuhara Persecution, Buddhahood, Buddhist persecution, Compassionate Guidance, daimoku, Eternal Buddha, exile to Izu, Faith and Perseverance, Gohonzon, hardship and enlightenment, human revolution, Komatsubara Persecution, Latter Day of the Law, Lotus Sutra, Mappo, Myoichi Ama, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nichiren, Nichiren Buddhism, Nichiren Daishonin, Nichiren’s letters, Nichiren’s persecutions, One Vehicle, personal transformation, Sado exile, Skillful Means, Tatsunokuchi incident, Three Great Secret Laws, universal salvation, winter and spring analogy
The Enduring Life Span and Diverse Teachings of the Thus Come One: An Analysis of Chapter Sixteen of the Lotus Sūtra

The Lotus Sūtra stands as a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, revered for its profound teachings on the universal potential for enlightenment. Central to its message is the doctrine of the One Vehicle, which posits that all Buddhist paths ultimately converge towards Buddhahood 1. Chapter Sixteen, titled “The Life Span of the Thus Come One,” occupies…

William Altig

April 6, 2025

Chapter 16

Bodhisattva Ideal, Buddha-nature, Buddhist Commentary, Buddhist Compassion, Buddhist Doctrine, Buddhist history, Buddhist Pedagogy, Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist teachings, Chapter Sixteen, Dharma, Discourses, Enlightenment, Eternal Buddha, Jataka Tales, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana Buddhism, Mystic Law, Nichiren Buddhism, One Vehicle, Parables, Religious Inclusivity, Shakyamuni Buddha, Similes, Skillful Means, Spiritual Growth, Tathagata, T’ien-t’ai, Three Bodies of Buddha, Thus Come One, Universal Enlightenment, Upaya
Better Every Day (In Every Way)

“Better Every Day (In Every Way)” is a soulful folk-blues anthem of personal growth, quiet resilience, and sacred encouragement. Rooted in the journey through hardship, self-reflection, and healing, the song honors the effort it takes to keep moving — step by step — toward a more compassionate, awakened life. With gentle acoustic guitar, intimate vocals,…

William Altig

April 5, 2025

music

acoustic, Acoustic Guitar, Americana, awakening, better every day, Blues, Dharma, Folk, healing music, hopeful, inner journey, inner strength, Inspirational, introspective, Meditative, Mellow, mindful, peaceful, personal anthem, Poetic, Reflective, resilience, roots music, self-growth, Singer-Songwriter, Soulful, Spiritual, Storytelling, sunrise, Transformation, wisdom
Same Sun, Same Sky

“Same Sun, Same Sky” is a heartfelt blues-folk ballad inspired by the timeless teachings of the Lotus Sutra. With gravelly vocals, acoustic textures, and soul-deep lyrics, this song explores the universal light that shines on all people, regardless of their path, pain, or past. It’s a gentle reminder that we are all walking under the…

William Altig

April 4, 2025

music

acoustic, Americana, Ballad, Blues, compassionate, Dharma, equality, Folk, gravelly voice, Harmonica, Lotus Sutra, mindful music, Reflective, roots music, same sun, Slide Guitar, Soulful, Spiritual, Storytelling, sunrise, Unity
The Immeasurable Merits of Hearing and Transmitting the Lotus Sutra: An Analysis of Chapter Eighteen

The Lotus Sutra stands as a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, celebrated for its profound teachings on the universality of Buddhahood and the paramount importance of propagating the Dharma 1. Within this revered text, Chapter Eighteen, entitled “Rejoicing in Accord with Merit and Virtue,” occupies a significant position by elucidating the extraordinary rewards associated with engaging…

William Altig

April 3, 2025

Chapter 18

Buddhism, Buddhist Ethics, Chapter Eighteen, collective enlightenment, Dharma, Ekayana, interconnectedness, karmic benefits, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana Buddhism, Maitreya Bodhisattva, Merit, Myoho-renge-kyo, Mystic Law, oral transmission, propagation, rejoicing, Skillful Means, Spiritual Growth, spiritual merit, spiritual transmission, wholesome actions
The Pedagogy of Awakening: Exploring Learning and Practice in Chapter Two of the Lotus Sutra

Introduction: Setting the Stage with the Lotus Sutra and Chapter Two The Lotus Sutra, formally known as the Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra or the “Scripture of the Lotus Blossom of the Fine Dharma,” stands as a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, holding a position of profound reverence and influence, particularly within East Asian traditions . This revered…

William Altig

April 2, 2025

Chapter 2

analogy, Bodhicitta, Bodhisattva, Buddha, Buddhism, Compassion, cultural context, Ekayāna, Engaged Buddhism, Enlightenment, experiential learning, historical context, karma, lotus flower, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana Buddhism, Meditation, Nichiren Buddhism, Noble Eightfold Path, One Buddha Vehicle, parable, Philosophy, practice, Religion, Skillful Means, Spirituality, Theravada Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, upāya, wisdom, Zen Buddhism
The Buddha’s Proclamation in the Lotus Sutra: An Analysis of Chapter Five

I. Introduction The Lotus Sutra, a foundational text within Mahayana Buddhism, holds a position of paramount importance for its comprehensive revelation of the Buddha’s ultimate teachings. Esteemed across various Buddhist traditions, particularly in East Asia, the Lotus Sutra articulates the profound principle of universal Buddhahood and the compassionate strategies employed by the Buddha to guide…

William Altig

April 1, 2025

Chapter 5

Buddha’s Proclamation, Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist teachings, Chapter Five, Cravings, Desire for Enlightenment, Destroyer of the Bonds of Existence, Enlightenment, King of the Dharma, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana Buddhism, Nirvana, One Vehicle (Ekayana), Parable of the Medicinal Herbs, Samsara, Scholarly Interpretations, Skillful Means (Upaya), Universal Buddhahood, Varied Expounding of the Dharma
Out of Reach

“Out of Reach” delves into the complexities of the human journey, acknowledging the inevitable struggles and suffering we encounter. It’s not a naive optimism, but rather a realistic portrayal of the challenges inherent in growth. The song suggests that often, the very things we seek – whether it’s understanding, peace, or connection – seem elusive,…

William Altig

March 31, 2025

music

absence, Conscious Hip-Hop, Enlightenment, finding your way, Growth, guidance, help, inner strength, Overcoming Obstacles, Paradox, Personal Growth, presence, resilience, seeking, Self-Discovery, Spiritual, Struggle, Suffering, support, Transformation, wisdom