Everything must be suitable to the time. They say that cherry blossoms bloom in spring and the moon looks best in autumn. This saying shows the importance of timing. The reason why Śākyamuni Buddha appeared in this world was to expound the Lotus Sūtra, the True Dharma. Nevertheless, He did not preach it for 40 years or so after attaining Enlightenment. The Lotus Sūtra, the Expedients chapter, tells of the reason why the Buddha did not expound the Lotus Sūtra for more than 40 years, “It was because the time to preach it was not ripe.”
Ueno-dono Gohenji, Reply to Lord Ueno, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Followers II, Volume 7, Page 34
He satisfied himself with what little he earned.
He did not wish to get anything more.
He did not notice the priceless gem
Fastened inside his garment.
These verses are part of a story told by Ājñāta-Kauṇḍinya and other disciples in Chapter Eight of the Lotus Sūtra. It is about a man whose friend gives him a jewel while he is asleep. Not realizing he has this treasure, the man returns to his ordinary life, desperate to make a living and satisfy his ordinary desires. The story shows how we live when we forget about the jewel of Buddha nature we carry with us.
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