"EDITOR'S NOTE The following is a brief overview of developments within the Lotus Sutra regarding the Bodhisattvas of the Earth: Beginning in "Expedient Means," Shakyamuni makes various predictions about how Shariputra and other disciples will in the future become Buddhas. In "The Teacher of the Law," the tenth chapter, however, the theme changes, and the question of who will propagate the Lotus Sutra after Shakyamuni's passing becomes the main focus. In "The Emergence of the Treasure Tower," the eleventh chapter, a majestic treasure tower appears from out of the earth and the Ceremony in the Air gets under way. Then, in response to Shakyamuni's exhortations, the bodhisattvas of the theoretical teaching (Bodhisattvas who are followers of a provisional Buddha) and the voice-hearers pledge one after another to propagate the Lotus Sutra after the Buddha's passing. Bodhisattvas from other worlds (those instructed by Buddhas dwelling in worlds other than this saha world) then join the assembly and pledge to propagate the Lotus Sutra without begrudging their lives even if they should be attacked by the three powerful enemies. Shakyamuni, however, refrains from entrusting these bodhisattvas with the sutra's propagation after his death. In "Emerging from the Earth," the fifteenth chapter, he says: "In this saha world of mine there are bodhisattvas mahasattva who are as numerous as the sands of sixty thousand Ganges Rivers . . . After I have entered extinction these people will be able to protect, embrace, read, recite, and widely preach this sutra" (LSOC, 252). Suddenly, the earth splits open and a great multitude of bodhisattvas emerge from its depths. They are all leaders, each followed by a large retinue. The Bodhisattvas of the Earth are led by four bodhisattvas named Superior Practices, Boundless Practices, Pure Practices and Firmly Established Practices. They are endowed with splendid dignity and merit. The bodhisattvas of the original assembly are much taken aback. On behalf of the others, Bodhisattva Maitreya asks about the meaning of the appearance of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth. Praising Maitreya, Shakyamuni says, "Excellent, excellent, . . . that you should question the Buddha about this great affair" (LSOC, 258), and then begins to explain who these bodhisattvas are. Shakyamuni indicates that he himself had converted and instructed these countless bodhisattvas since the time of his enlightenment in the remote past. Filled with surprise and doubt, Maitreya then asks where and when Shakyamuni instructed them, beseeching him to answer clearly. In response, Shakyamuni begins to expound the "Life Span" chapter. Later, in "Supernatural Powers of the Thus Come One," the twenty-first chapter, Shakyamuni entrusts the Bodhisattvas of the Earth with propagating the Lotus Sutra after his death." (from "The Heart of the Lotus Sutra" by Daisaku Ikeda)
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