Lotus Sutra 28 chapters divided into two parts First half called the provisional teachings – Shakumon Historical Sakyamuni Buddha Second half called the true teachings – Honmon reveals the Eternal nature of the Buddha The disciples that appear in the first half are the disciples of Shakumon, they are the folks who actually lived during the lifetime of the Buddha Disciples revealed in the second half are disciples of honmon, they are the Bodhisattvas from beneath the ground
In Chapter 21 the Bodhisattvas from beneath the earth respond to the Buddha’s request for who will spread the Dharma of the Lotus Sutra in the Age of Degeneration of the Law in this Saha world. This is considered the special transmission because it was specific in the who, what, where, and when.
The transmission in Chapter XXII is considered a general transmission because it is not specific in the details in the same way that which is given to the Bodhisattvas from beneath the Earth. In many ways some of the details of the transmission also apply to those of us in the later age.
It was custom in Hinduism to put one’s hand on someone’s forehead to entrust them with a specific task or teaching. The Buddha by his supernatural powers places his hand simultaneously on the heads of all present at this point in the ceremony. Nichiren Shonin, while on his death-bead, also placed his hand on the forehead of Nichizo charging him with the responsibility of spreading the Dharma in Kyoto after Nichiren’s death. Three mental attitudes are: enter the room of the Tathagata Wear the robe of the Tathagata sit on the seat of the Tathagata To have great compassion, to be gentle and patient, to see the equality of all things without attachment
In the text the Buddha is instructing us that before we can actually expound the sutra we need to practice it by keeping, embracing, read, study, recite, practice
Two ways of accepting the sutra Faith Theoretical, or just with the mind Show – introduce them to other profound teachings such as Four Noble Truths, Eighfold Path, 12 Chain, Dependant Origination, Cause and Effect Teach – to lead them further into understanding profound teachings such as Lotus Sutra Benefit – show by your own example Rejoice – praise you, show that by practicing it will bring him joy as it has brought you
With Joy the Bodhisattvas of Shakumon repeated their vow three times Three is an important number – indivisible – prime number – sacred number When you have a serious prayer, it may be better to repeat is three times
Sakyamuni had finished his lecture so he requested all Buddhas to return to their home worlds This ends the Ceremony in the Sky which began in Chapter 11 We do the same thing when we sing the final Shomyo - Buso
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