This chapter exemplifies the tremendous and precious teaching of the Dharma and our inherited responsibility to attain and to promulgate its practice.

Continuation of the 14th chapter. There are a variety of titles for this chapter amongst the many translations in various languages and on the basis of separate cultural transliterations. The meaning of the chapter is to commit one's efforts to study and practice of the Lotus Sutra as well as to defend it and to lead others to discover its wisdom.

There are a variety of titles for this chapter amongst the many translations in various languages and on the basis of separate cultural transliterations. The meaning of the chapter is to commit one's efforts to study and practice of the Lotus Sutra as well as to defend it and to lead others to discover its wisdom.

The stories, versions, interpretations of Devadatta are many and even produced their own cults. Even compilations by different translators from Prakrit writings to Sanskrit, Pali and from different cultures and scholars of religious influence have long manipulated the stories of the Lotus sermons to suit their purposes or at very least, their audiences. So much so that the Devadatta chapter in some compilations do not even include it. Devdatta along with the Dragon King's daughter are explicit examples of Enlightenment and the power of the one vehicle or Myohorengekyo teaching and method of attainment to achieve Buddha min in one's present life and present form, no matter what mistakes or "great offenses" on may have committed in this life. This is the crux of the Lotus Sutra and the culminating teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha! The full accomplishment of the MAHAYANA. Is it any wonder then how sectarian and outside interests treated this chapter with fear and even contempt?

In this 13th chapter of the Sutra Shakyamuni offers encouragement that our ever deepening resolve will absolutely bring results toward our full awakening.

Yes, the precious stupa is the treasure tower is the Gohonzon.

MyoHoRenGeKyo, the law of all life process. In this is self-manifestation in mind and in physical "Samsaric" reality.

More assurances from Shakyamuni of avid students of early teachings that had limited themselves to selfish life goals of practice for their own enlightenment while not endeavoring to assist others in finding their path to awakening. Early teachings did not emphasize the Bodhisattva way that the Lotus was now teaching in order to complete the path for all sentient and non-sentient entities to easily awaken their Buddha Mind.

Predictions and recognition of 500 aspects of Buddhist awakening. A thought experiment on identification ( human form ) all reaching enlightenment in various paths with the same goal.

The need for and dedicated practice and insight through study.