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

Then the spiritual being known as Faltering-Voice, after showing deep respect and devotion to the enlightened being Sakyamuni and to the sacred relics of Treasure Tower, mounted a glorious tower made of seven precious materials. Amidst a magical display of raining lotuses and the sound of countless musical instruments, Faltering-Voice and his entourage of countless…

Then, the enlightened being known as Faltering-Voice responded to the great Buddha, The-One-with-Knowledge-of-the-Blossoming-Lotus-Garland-Resembling-a-Vine-of-Stars-Colored-with-Passion, saying: “I will go, O Great One, to that Saha-world, guided by your wisdom, your strength, your might, your foresight.” And without leaving his place, Faltering-Voice entered into a deep meditation. Suddenly, before the eyes of the Tathagata on the sacred Gridhrakuta…

At that very moment, the Sage of the Shakyans, the Tathagata, the Fully Enlightened One, the Knower of the World, the Unsurpassed Leader of Men to be Tamed, the Teacher of Gods and Humans, emitted a flash of light from the circle of hair between his eyebrows, illuminating hundreds of thousands of myriad Buddha-lands, as…

The Lotus of the True Law is a savior from all fears and pains. It’s a refreshing tank for the thirsty, a warming fire for the cold, clothing for the naked, a guide for travelers, a mother’s care, a boat across troubled waters, a healer for the sick, a lamp in the darkness, a treasure…

Thereupon, Understanding-the-Essence-of-the-Star’s-Radiance⁠, One-who-Views-All-Beings-with-Love⁠, perceiving that Radiance-of-the-Moon’s-Pure-Light⁠, the Tathagata⁠, had expired, made a pyre of Uragasara sandal-wood and burnt the body of the Tathagata. When he saw that the body was burnt to ashes and the fire extinct, he took the bones and wept, cried, and lamented. After having wept, cried, and lamented, Understanding-the-Essence-of-the-Star’s-Radiance, One-who-Views-All-Beings-with-Love caused…

After those twelve years, he wrapped his body in divine garments and bathed it in oil. With his mind filled with devotion, he set his body ablaze as an offering to honor the Tathagata and the sacred teachings of the Lotus of the True Law⁠. The flames from his blazing body brightened eighty worlds, as…

At that moment, the enlightened being, Understanding-the-Essence–of–the-Star’s-Radiance, asked the Lord, “Why, O Lord, does the enlightened being Medicine King⁠ continue his journey in this world of suffering, fully knowing the countless challenges he must face? Could you, the Tathagata⁠, tell us about the path and responsibilities of Medicine King? By hearing it, all present, including…