The Lotus Sutra

Chapter 22: Entrustment

Overview Summary

Section 1:       Paragraphs 1─8

1.1        At that time, Shakyamuni Buddha rose from his Dharma seat and then displayed his great divine powers by using his right hand to touch the crowns of immeasurable bodhisattvas-mahasattvas. After which, he proceeded to make the declaration: “For immeasurable hundreds of thousands of millions of billions of asamkhya kalpas, I have practiced this Dharma of Supreme Perfect Enlightenment that is rare and difficult to attain. Now, I have entrusted the Dharma to you. You must wholeheartedly focus on widely propagating the Dharma so as to bring increased benefits, blessings, and prosperity for all.”

1.2        He then touched the crowns of the bodhisattvas-mahasattvas three times before continuing with the declaration: “For immeasurable hundreds of thousands of millions of billions of asamkhya kalpas, I have practiced this Dharma of Supreme Perfect Enlightenment that is rare and difficult to attain. Now I have entrusted the Dharma to you. You must accept, embrace, read, recite, and proclaim the Dharma broadly so that all living beings have the opportunity to hear and understand the Dharma. Why? This is by virtue of the great compassion and mercy of Tathagata. He is not parsimonious, neither is he fearful. Hence, he is able to bestow upon all living beings the Buddha-wisdom, the Tathagata-Wisdom, and the Intuitive Wisdom. In essence, Tathagata is the great benefactor for all living beings.

1.3        “You should also follow and emulate the way of Tathagata and avoid being parsimonious. In future lifetimes, if there are virtuous men and women who have faith in the Tathagata-Wisdom, you should expound the Lotus Sutra for them so that they are able to gain the Buddha-wisdom upon hearing and understanding the Dharma.

1.4        “If there are living beings who do not believe or do not have the faith to accept it, you should use some other profound doctrines of Tathagata to demonstrate and teach the Dharma, bringing benefits and joy to them. If you can do this, you have already repaid your debts of gratitude to the Buddha.”

1.5        When the bodhisattvas-mahasattvas heard the Buddha-words, joy and jubilation suffused their bodies. With even greater reverence and respect, they prostrated, lowered their heads, and pressed their palms together before facing the Buddha and speaking sonorously in unison: “O Lord of the World! Have no worries on this! We will definitely carry out the tasks according to the guidance of the Lord of the World!”

1.6        The multitude of bodhisattvas-mahasattvas repeated their vows and determination three times by speaking sonorously in unison: “O Lord of the World! Have no worries on this! We will definitely carry out the tasks according to the guidance of the Lord of the World!”

1.7        Thereafter, Shakyamuni Buddha caused the emanated bodies of the Buddhas from the ten directions to return to their original lands by declaring as such: “Each of these Buddhas may return to your respective lands in peace. The pagoda of Abundant Treasures Buddha may also return.”

1.8        After the Buddha had finished his declaration, the immeasurable emanated Buddhas from the ten directions who were seated on the lion thrones under the jeweled trees, Abundant Treasures Buddha, and Bodhisattva Superior Actions as well as boundless asamkhya of bodhisattvas such as Shariputra, multitudes of shravakas, the four groups of people, heavenly gods, humans, asuras, and the rest were exuberantly overjoyed upon hearing the Buddha-words.

Action #1: Be a Patron of Lotus Happiness 

Action #2: Buy the Book at the Amazon