Hello, everyone. Welcome to this episode of the podcast provided by the Buddhas’ Practice Incorporated of Australia.
Today, we’ll continue our exploration of Chapters 21 and 22 of the Lotus Sutra.
In The Transcendent Powers of the Tathāgata, Chapter 21, the Buddha says: “To sum up, in this sutra I have clearly revealed and taught all the teachings of the Tathāgata, all the transcendent powers of the Tathāgata, all the treasure houses of the hidden essence of the Tathāgata, and all the profound aspects of the Tathāgata.”
The Buddha then explains that it is by relying on the Lotus Sutra that all buddhas attain supreme perfect enlightenment, turn the wheel of the Dharma, and enter parinirvāṇa.
The reason the buddhas manifest their great transcendent powers is to bring joy to those who seek the Buddha Way and, through this, to entrust them with the preservation of this Lotus Sutra.
Entrustment, Chapter 22, contains the Buddha’s earnest and final admonition before his own parinirvāṇa.
He says, “You should accordingly practice the teaching of the Tathāgata. Never allow the thought of avarice to awaken in you! If there are sons and daughters of a virtuous family who believe in the wisdom of the Tathāgata in the future, you should expound th2is Lotus Sutra, and let them hear and know it so that they may attain the wisdom of the Buddha.”
He continues, “If there are sentient beings who do not accept it, you should reveal, teach, benefit, and gladden them with the other profound teachings of the Tathāgata.”
The Buddha concludes, “If you do this, you have repaid your indebtedness to the Buddha.”
In summary, the Buddha unreservedly entrusts us with the Dharma of supreme enlightenment, which he cultivated over immeasurable eons. This entrustment is a testament to the Buddha’s boundless compassion for all beings.
Let us all take on this important responsibility and pass on the Buddha’s compassion and wisdom to all those who need it.
Thank you.
