Tag: Upaya

• The Quest for Enlightenment: An Analysis of the Brahma King’s Verses in the Lotus Sūtra

  

  I. Introduction The Lotus Sūtra, revered as one of the most influential texts in Mahayana Buddhism, is celebrated for its profound teachings on the inherent potential for Buddhahood in all beings and its skillful use of parables to illuminate complex Buddhist principles.1 Central to its message is the concept of expedient means (upaya), where the…

  William Altig

  April 14, 2025

  Chapter 7

  arhats, Avalokiteśvara, Bodhi, Brahma King Great Compassion, Brahma Kings, Brahma Sahampati, Brahmaloka, Buddha, Buddha Dharma, Buddha Great-Penetrating-Wisdom-Victory, Buddhism, Buddhist cosmology, Buddhist deities, Buddhist meditation, buddhist parables, Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist Symbolism, Chapter Seven, Compassion, Dharma, Dharmapala, Eightfold Path, Enlightenment, ethical conduct, expedient means, Four Noble Truths, Great Compassion, Guanshiyin, hinduism, Ichinen Sanzen, Jhanas, Lotus Sutra, Lotus Sūtra, Magic City Parable, Mahayana Buddhism, Nichiren Buddhism, Nirvana, one-eyed turtle analogy, Parable of the Magic City, Pratyekabuddhas, rare encounter with Buddha, religious study, Samsara, Samyaksambuddhas, Spiritual Journey, Spiritual Liberation, three thousand worlds, trichiliocosm, Upaya

• The Profound Implications of Hearing the Dharma: An Analysis of Lotus Sūtra Chapter Seven Verses

  

  The Lotus Sūtra, revered as one of the most significant scriptures in Mahayana Buddhism, holds a central place in the spiritual lives of countless practitioners across East Asia. Its teachings, often considered the final and most complete exposition of Shakyamuni Buddha’s wisdom, articulate the profound principle of universal Buddhahood, asserting that all beings possess the…

  William Altig

  April 10, 2025

  Chapter 7

  Bodhi, Brahma-Heavenly-Kings, Buddhism, Buddhist cosmology, Buddhist teachings, Chapter Seven, Dharma, Enlightenment, evil regions, Four Noble Truths, Great-Universal-Wisdom-Excellence, heavenly realms, karma, Lotus Sutra, mahayana, Nirvana, Noble Eightfold Path, readiness, Rebirth, respect, Samsara, Skillful Means, Spiritual Journey, Spiritual Practice, Spirituality, Storytelling, Suffering, teachings, Upaya, verses, wisdom

• Once I Was Fame Seeker

  

  “Once I Was Fame Seeker” is a folk-blues reflection on the ancient path of transformation and purpose. Inspired by Chapter 1 of the Lotus Sūtra, this song gives voice to the past life of Maitreya Bodhisattva—when he was known as Yaśaskāma, the Fame Seeker. Blending timeless Buddhist wisdom with modern soul, the song explores how…

  William Altig

  April 8, 2025

  music

  acoustic, Blues, Bodhisattva, books, Buddhist, devotion, Dharma, Enlightenment, fame seeker, Folk, Folk Blues, inner light, karma, Lotus Sutra, mahayana, Maitreya, Manjusri, music, original song, path, poetry, Religion, seeker, Soul, SoundCloud, Spiritual Music, Transformation, Upaya, vow, william altig, wisdom, writing

• The Enduring Life Span and Diverse Teachings of the Thus Come One: An Analysis of Chapter Sixteen of the Lotus Sūtra

  

  The Lotus Sūtra stands as a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, revered for its profound teachings on the universal potential for enlightenment. Central to its message is the doctrine of the One Vehicle, which posits that all Buddhist paths ultimately converge towards Buddhahood 1. Chapter Sixteen, titled “The Life Span of the Thus Come One,” occupies…

  William Altig

  April 6, 2025

  Chapter 16

  Bodhisattva Ideal, Buddha-nature, Buddhist Commentary, Buddhist Compassion, Buddhist Doctrine, Buddhist history, Buddhist Pedagogy, Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist teachings, Chapter Sixteen, Dharma, Discourses, Enlightenment, Eternal Buddha, Jataka Tales, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana Buddhism, Mystic Law, Nichiren Buddhism, One Vehicle, Parables, Religious Inclusivity, Shakyamuni Buddha, Similes, Skillful Means, Spiritual Growth, Tathagata, T’ien-t’ai, Three Bodies of Buddha, Thus Come One, Universal Enlightenment, Upaya

• Chapter 2–Unveiling the Universal Path of Enlightenment

  

  An ancient assembly with monks and disciples seated in concentric circles around the central figure of the Buddha, who is radiating a soft, serene light. Faces in the assembly are illuminated by this glow, reflecting awe and reverence. Sāriputta, depicted with distinct robes and features, sits closest to the Buddha. He leans forward, eyes full…

  William Altig

  November 1, 2023

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

  Ancient Wisdom, Buddha’s Teachings, Celestial Visions, Compassionate Appeal, Enlightened Dialogue, Ethereal Imagery, Lotus Sutra, Skillful Means, Spiritual Journey, Sāriputta, Ultimate Truth, Upaya, Visual Narrative