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

In chapter twenty of the Lotus Sutra, A story of great reverence doth occur. Bodhisattva Never Disrespectful’s name, A man of virtue, bowing all the same. He did not study, nor did he read, But treated all with utmost care indeed. By bowing low and praising each he’d meet, He planted seeds of Buddhahood complete.…

If those of virtue embrace with heart,The Lotus Sutra, in every part,Reading, reciting, expounding well,Copying, transcribing, its tale to tell, They’ll earn eight hundred merits bright,For eyes that see with righteous sight,For ears that listen, twelve hundred more,To hear the Dharma’s sacred lore. For nose that breathes with noble intent,Eight hundred merits to it are…

In the Lotus Sutra’s eighteenth chapter, The Buddha imparts a valuable capture, Of the merits of spontaneous joy, That when embraced, one’s blessings multiply. Bodhisattva Maitreya asks the Buddha, What benefits come from joy that’s true? The Buddha responds with wisdom bright, Joy brings the Law’s message to light. The ones who hear and with…

In ancient times, a text was scribedTo help those seeking peace insideThe Lotus Sutra, revered and oldIn Mahayana, its teachings told Chapter 17, “Distinctions in Merits”Explains the benefits, no demeritsOf understanding the Buddha’s fateOf the eternal lifespan, so great Shakyamuni tells Ajita thenBenefits of hearing about whenThe Buddha lived, that boundless graceCan lead to enlightenment’s…

Oh stepmother of the Buddha, You who guided his youthful days, With gentle words and loving ways, You nurtured his wisdom, day by day. As he grew, you watched him bloom, With a heart full of love, never with gloom, His mind expanding, his spirit taking flight, You helped him find the path that was…

When all living beings, honest and true, Wish to meet the Buddha, and follow through, Even at the cost of sacrificing their lives, A community of monks and the Buddha arrives. They gather at Eagle Peak, so high, To declare a truth that will never die, “I have always been here,” the Buddha will say,…

When all living beings have become faithful, Honest, gentle, and life sacrificing, an act so tasteful, A community of monks and the Buddha will gather, At Eagle Peak, to declare, with nothing to hinder. “I have always been here,” he will announce, “Without entering parinirvana,” his words will pounce, A declaration of his eternal lifespan…

In Chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra, Insights into Buddha’s teachings, quite a plethora, He urges the bodhisattvas thrice, To have faith and seek his advice. The Buddha’s eternal lifespan he reveals, An expedient method to inspire his disciples’ zeal, He illustrates it with an analogy so clear, Incalculable dust particles, in remoteness far and…