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

The Parable of Medicinal Herbs, from chapter five of the Lotus Sutra, is a unique and insightful story that sheds light on the teachings of the Buddha and the nature of living beings. In this parable, the great cloud represents the Buddha and the different types of plants symbolize the diverse living beings that exist…

Faith and understanding play a crucial role in one’s spiritual journey. Faith refers to a belief in something greater, often a higher power or divine being, without necessarily requiring evidence or proof. Understanding involves having a clear comprehension of the beliefs and teachings that one holds as true. In a spiritual context, faith provides a…

In the pursuit of Buddha’s way, There are those who strive each day, To seek the wisdom that is perfect, Natural, teacherless, and elect. Compassionate and mindful they remain, Bringing peace and happiness again, With a goal to liberate all, Heavenly gods and humans tall. These people, on the Great Vehicle ride, Seeking to be…

In Buddhist teachings, the concept of expedient methods refers to the idea that the Buddha used different teachings and methods to help individuals achieve enlightenment, depending on their individual circumstances and level of understanding. The Buddha believed that different individuals have different needs and capacities for understanding, and that the same teaching may not be…

The Lotus Sutra provides a view on the nature of reality that is both inspiring and uplifting. Its teachings on interdependence, dependent origination, non-duality, and subjectivity offer a glimpse into the interconnectedness of all things, reminding us that we are all part of a larger, more beautiful whole. The physics found in the sutra is…

Chapter 2 of the Lotus Sutra, Section 1: Paragraphs 1-22, discusses the importance of expedient methods in teaching the Buddha-Law to individuals with varying natures, desires, and capacities. Shakyamuni Buddha reveals that the Buddha applied the expedient methods such as parables, similes, metaphors, and reasoning of causes and conditions in his teaching. These methods serve…

The first chapter of the Lotus Sutra provides a foundation for the rest of the text. It begins with an assembly at Eagle Peak, where a diverse range of living beings—including bodhisattvas, humans, heavenly gods, and asuras—gather to listen to the Buddha’s teachings after hearing the Immeasurable Meanings Sutra. A divine sign appears in the…

There are several ways to practice the teachings of the Lotus Sutra: It is important to note that there is no one right way to practice the Lotus Sutra and individuals may find different approaches to be more effective for them based on their personal circumstances and preferences. What are the Benefits of Practicing the…

“He is born from precepts, meditation, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and insight, embarking from the Three Understandings, Six Divine Powers, arising from compassion, the Ten Powers, and fearlessness, emerging from charitable actions for living beings.” (Immeasurable Meanings Sutra 1: 2.4) The Three Understandings The Three Understandings in Buddhism are: These three understandings are considered key in…