Tag: Merit

• The Profound Significance of Respecting the Keeper of the Lotus Sutra: An Analysis of the Buddha’s Instruction to Universal-Sage Bodhisattva

  

  The Lotus Sutra, revered as the “king of sutras” within Mahayana Buddhism 1, holds a central position due to its revolutionary teaching that all beings, without exception, possess the inherent potential to attain Buddhahood.2 This profound scripture culminates in Chapter 28, titled “The Encouragement of Bodhisattva Universally Worthy,” where the Buddha imparts crucial instructions regarding…

  William Altig

  April 16, 2025

  Chapter 28

  Bodhisattva Ideal, Buddha-nature, Buddhahood, Chapter 28, Compassion, Dharma, Enlightenment, ethics, karma, keeper of the sutra, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana Buddhism, Merit, Nichiren Buddhism, non-violence, parinirvana, respect, Shakyamuni Buddha, spiritual community, teachings, Theravada Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Universal-Sage Bodhisattva, virtue, vows, Zen Buddhism

• 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

• Necklace of the Boundless Heart

  

  (A Bluesy Folk Song) “Dive into the soulful currents of ‘Necklace of the Boundless Heart,’ a bluesy folk ballad inspired by the Lotus Sutra’s timeless tale of compassion and shared merit. With a voice full of grit and grace, this song weaves the story of Bodhisattvas offering a jeweled necklace not for themselves, but for…

  William Altig

  March 23, 2025

  music

  acoustic, Blues, Blues Folk, Bodhisattva, Buddhist inspired, Compassion, cosmic, Emotional, Folk, folk ballad, generosity, Heartfelt, Lotus Sutra, Meditation, Merit, river imagery, Soulful, Spiritual, Storytelling, universal love

• 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

• Sharing Boundless Merit: A Deep Dive into the Lotus Sutra’s Teachings on Compassion and Generosity

  

  I. Introduction: The Profound Principle of Shared Merit in the Lotus Sutra The Lotus Sutra, revered as a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, presents a comprehensive vision of the path to enlightenment, emphasizing the inherent potential for Buddhahood within all beings and advocating the compassionate path of the Bodhisattva 1. This scripture, which has profoundly influenced…

  William Altig

  March 14, 2025

  The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law

  asuras, Avalokiteshvara, Bodhisattva Path, Buddha, Buddhism, Buddhist cosmology, Compassion, Dharma, dragons, Endless-Intent Bodhisattva, Enlightenment, four kinds of devotees, gandharvas, garudas, generosity, gods, Guanyin, human beings, kinnaras, Lotus Sutra, mahoragas, Merit, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, nonhuman beings, Philosophy, Religion, sharing merit, Spirituality, World-Voice-Perceiver Bodhisattva, yakshas

• ‘N Silence Of The Night

  

  “‘N Silence Of The Night” is a bluesy contemporary folk song. It draws inspiration from Chapter 17 of the Lotus Sutra, especially the opening prose. This song captures the profound wisdom and timeless teachings of the Buddha. It emphasizes the spiritual journey towards enlightenment. Countless beings undertake this journey across the vast expanse of time…

  William Altig

  October 9, 2024

  music

  Bass, Blues, Buddha, Buddhism, Celestial, Choir, Contemporary, Drums, Enlightenment, Eternal, Flowers, Folk, Imagery, Incense, journey, Lotus, Mandarava, Merit, Mystical, Philosophy, Religion, RiverofTruth, sacred, Sandalwood, Spiritual, Spirituality, Stand-up, Sutra, teachings, Timeless, Voices, wisdom