Tag: compassion.

• The Rākṣasīs’ Vow in the Lotus Sūtra – A Blueprint for Universal Enlightenment

  

  Executive Summary The Rākṣasīs’ vow, detailed in Chapter 26 of the Lotus Sūtra, is a pivotal narrative that profoundly illustrates core Mahayana Buddhist principles. It presents a compelling paradox: ferocious, bloodthirsty demonesses renounce their destructive nature to pledge protection to those who uphold the Lotus Sūtra. This transformation is not a minor event but a…

  William Altig

  September 21, 2025

  Chapter 26, The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law

  Angulimala, Bloodlust, Bodhisattva Medicine King, Bodhisattva Pradanasura, Buddha-nature, Chapter 26, compassion., Demonic Transformation, Dharma Protectors, Dhāraṇī, Ego, Enlightenment, Fixation to Self, Ghaṭotkacha, Guru Padmasambhava, Hariti, Heavenly King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Immeasurable Merit, Indian Mythology, Inner Poisons, karmic causality, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana Buddhism, Mahābhārata, mantra, Merit, protection, Pūtanas, Rākṣasīs’ Vow, Rāmāyaṇa, Rāvaṇa, Skillful Means, Soteriology, Spiritual Transformation, Tathagatagarbha, Upaya, Violence, Yakṣas

• Overcoming Doubt and Embracing Enlightenment in the Lotus Sūtra

  

  Date: September 6, 2025 Sources: Executive Summary This briefing document synthesizes key themes and ideas from the provided sources on the Lotus Sūtra, focusing on the concepts of doubt, the Eternal Buddha, skillful means (upaya), and the path to universal Buddhahood. The Sūtra challenges conventional perceptions of the Buddha and reality, urging practitioners to transcend…

  William Altig

  September 9, 2025

  Chapter 16, Chapter 3, The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law

  #Truth, **Nonduality**, Antidote, Anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi, Attachments, awakening, Bodhisattva, Buddha’s Death, Buddha-nature, Carts, Chapter Sixteen, Children, compassion., Curiosity, Delusion, Dharma, Doubt, Ekayāna, Enlightenment, Eternal Buddha, faith, Fetter, Games, Gratitude, Jikkai Gogu, Karmic Recompense, Lotus Sutra, Mental Hindrance, Mutual Possession of the Ten Worlds, Nīvaraṇa, One Vehicle, Parable of the Burning House, Parable of the Skilled Physician, Parinirvāṇa, Poison, practice, Pratyekabuddha, Samsara, Samyojana, Skillful Means, Spiritual Progress, Suffering, Ten Worlds, three vehicles, Threefold World, Transformation of Suffering, Unimaginable Benefit, Universal Buddhahood, Upaya, Vicikicchā, Śrāvaka, Śākyamuni

• The Lotus Sūtra and Assured Buddhahood

  

  Executive Summary This briefing document provides a comprehensive analysis of the Lotus Sūtra, particularly focusing on Chapter Two, “Expedient Means,” as a foundational text for understanding inherent purpose and cultivating perseverance. The Lotus Sūtra challenges conventional Buddhist thought by asserting the universal potential for Buddhahood, emphasizing that innate wisdom and compassionate purpose are eternal realities,…

  William Altig

  August 28, 2025

  Chapter 2, The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law

  Attainment of Buddhahood in one’s present form, Bodhisattva, Buddhahood, Chapter Two, Compassion and Perseverance, compassion., Daimoku (Nam-myoho-renge-kyo), expedient means, Ichinen Sanzen of Ji, Ichinen Sanzen of Ri, Inherent Buddha, Juki, Lotus Sutra, Nichiren, One Great Reason, One Vehicle (Ekayana), Parable of the Burning House, Persecution prophecies, Profound and Wonderful Teachings, Provisional Teachings, Real Dharma, Shakyamuni, Skillful Means (Upaya), Strategy of the Lotus Sūtra, T’ien-t’ai, Ten Factors of Life, Ten Worlds, Three Thousand Realms in a Single Moment of Life (Ichinen Sanzen), three vehicles, True Aspect of All Phenomena, Universal Enlightenment, Voluntarily assuming appropriate karma, votary of the Lotus Sutra, wisdom, Śāriputra

• The Doctrine of Hōbō (Slander of the Law) in Nichiren Buddhism

  

  Date: August 27, 2025 Subject: An In-Depth Analysis of Hōbō: The Doctrine of Slander of the Law in the Thought of Nichiren Daishonin I. Executive Summary This briefing document provides a detailed review of Hōbō, or “slander of the Law,” a foundational and controversial doctrine in Nichiren Buddhism. Originating with Nichiren Daishonin (1222–1282) during Japan’s…

  William Altig

  August 27, 2025

  Nichiren

  art, Buddha-nature, Buddhism of true cause, Changing karma into mission, Changing Poison into Medicine, Chanting Daimoku, compassion., Denying Buddhist teaching, esoteric Buddhism, External Actions, Four Criticisms (Shika Kakugen), Fourteen Slanders (Jūshi-hōbō), Fragmentation, Hell of Incessant Suffering, Hōbō (Slander of the Law), Inspiration, Internal Attitudes, Internalization of slander, Kamakura period, Karmic Retribution, kosen-rufu, Lotus Sutra, Low status, Mappō (Latter Day of the Law), Miao-lo, Mystic Law, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nichiren Daishonin, Nichiren Shoshu, Nichiren Shu, Opposing Buddhist teaching, Poverty, Psychological consequences, Pure Land Buddhism, relationships, Religion, Risshō Ankoku Ron, Ritsu Buddhism, Sectarian interpretations, Self-harm, Self-Reflection, Soka Gakkai International (SGI), Spiritual consequences, T’ien-t’ai Chih-che, Vilifying Buddhist teaching, White leprosy, writing, Zen Buddhism

• Devadatta’s Enlightenment in the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren’s Philosophy

  

  1. Executive Summary This briefing examines the paradoxical concept of Devadatta’s enlightenment, a central tenet in the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren’s philosophy. Devadatta, cousin and notorious adversary of Shakyamuni Buddha, committed two of the five “Anantarika-karma” (grave offenses) and was traditionally condemned to the Avīci Hell, a realm of incessant suffering. However, the Lotus Sutra,…

  William Altig

  August 7, 2025

  Chapter 12, Nichiren, The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law

  Adversaries as Teachers, Arhatship, Avici Hell, Bodhisattva Ideal, Buddha, Buddhahood, Buddhism, Changing Poison into Medicine, compassion., Devadatta, Dharma, Dragon King’s Daughter, Enlightenment, Ethical Implications, Final Dharma Age, Five Anantarika-karma, Grave Offenses, Heavenly King Buddha, Hell of Incessant Suffering, Ichinen Sanzen, Inherent Buddha-nature, Instantaneous Enlightenment, karma, Karmic Retribution, Kitō-shō, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana Buddhism, Mappo, Meditation, Nichiren, Non-dualistic Perspective, Philosophy, Religion, Schism in Sangha, Shakyamuni Buddha, Soteriology, Spiritual Growth, Theravada Buddhism, Treatise on Prayers, Universal Buddhahood, universal salvation

• Share Your Blessings, Let ‘Em Shine

  

  A soulful folk blues rendition of a powerful story from the Lotus Sutra. “Share Your Blessings, Let ‘Em Shine” recounts the tale of Endless-Intent Bodhisattva’s generous offering and the Buddha’s teaching on the importance of compassion. Through heartfelt lyrics and a bluesy melody, the song reminds us that true wealth lies in sharing our blessings…

  William Altig

  March 22, 2025

  music

  asuras, Avalokiteshvara, blessings, Blues, Buddha, Buddhism, Buddhist, compassion., dragons, Endless-Intent Bodhisattva, Folk Blues, gandharvas, garudas, generosity, gods, Guanyin, human beings, kinnaras, Let ‘Em Shine, Lotus Sutra, mahoragas, Merit, nonhuman beings, Share Your Blessings, sharing, World-Voice-Perceiver Bodhisattva, yakshas

• Oh, Compassionate One

  

  “Oh, Compassionate One” is a heartfelt folk song inspired by Chapter Twenty-Five of the Lotus Sutra. This song captures the transformative power of compassion, telling a story of how embodying kindness and empathy can soften even the hardest of hearts. The lyrics speak of a moment when danger and fear are occurring, but by calling…

  William Altig

  September 22, 2024

  music

  Compassion, compassion., divine, Empathy, Folk Song, god, hope, jesus, Kindness, Lotus Sutra, love, Mercy, music, shared humanity, spiritual strength, Suno AI, Transformation, Unity, William Altig Choir

• Common Ground Blues

  

  This soulful blues/folk ballad explores the universal human quest for connection and understanding. Inspired by themes of pre-mortal existence and shared spiritual origins, the song invites listeners to embrace compassion, respect, and dignity in pursuit of common ground. With heartfelt lyrics and a melancholic melody, it’s a reminder that even amidst our differences, we’re all…

  William Altig

  September 22, 2024

  music

  acoustic, Ballad, Blues, Common Ground, Compassion, compassion., Contemplative, Dignity, Folk, healing, Inspirational, jesus, love, respect, Singer-Songwriter, Soulful, Spiritual, Spirituality, Unity, Uplifting

• Timeless Wisdom

  

  This uplifting anthem calls us to unite and shine, guided by timeless wisdom and fueled by compassion. Through soaring vocals and a soul-stirring melody, this song reminds us that love conquers all, and together, we can lift the world to new heights. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Willamette Valley in the Pacific Northwest,…

  William Altig

  September 20, 2024

  music

  Anthem, compassion., hope, Inspirational, Kindness, love, nature, PNW, Soul-stirring, timeless wisdom, Togetherness, Unity, Uplifting, Willamette Valley

• Ancient Echoes

  “Ancient Echoes” is a soulful bluesy folk song that draws inspiration from Psalm 17 and the timeless wisdom of the Lotus Sutra. It’s a heartfelt plea for justice and protection amidst life’s challenges, expressing unwavering trust in a higher power. The song’s lyrics explore themes of integrity, compassion, and the search for inner peace, blending…

  William Altig

  September 18, 2024

  music

  Ancient Wisdom, Blues, compassion., Folk, Inner Peace, Justice, Lotus Sutra, Psalm 17, Soulful, Spiritual