In Gene Reeves’ discussion of Chapter 11, Beholding the Stūpa of Treasures, he makes an important observation:

“Here it’s important to note that the Stupa does not come from some distant heaven, but springs up out of the earth. This means that this world and ourselves in it are affirmed, as this is where the truth about the nature of reality is to be found, and to be taught. In other words, this world has a kind of buddha-nature within it, here symbolized by the Stupa that comes up out of the earth with Abundant Treasures Buddha in it.

“So, too, the fact that all of the buddhas throughout the entire universe come to this world, or at least to a purified version of this world, shows a powerful affirmation of our world. The Pure Land, this story implies, is to be found here. This is the land that Shakyamuni Buddha transforms into a Pure Land, even if only temporarily.

“Such affirmations are not just sentiments; they are an indication of where our own energies should go – that is, into purifying this world and realizing the buddha-nature of things in this world, thus enabling us both to see this world as a Pure Land and to transform it into a Pure Land.

The Stories of the Lotus Sutra, p143-144

Rev. Ryusho Jeffus put it this way in his Lecture on the Lotus Sutra:

“Buddhism is not a practice of isolating ourselves in our homes and doing our daily service, and having it stop there. … [I]f a person is not himself fully embracing the entire Lotus Sutra of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha then it is impossible to teach others and to fully share with others the truth, the entire truth of the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra does not stop at one’s own life. The Buddha demonstrates this when he asks who will teach this on into the future.”

Lecture on the Lotus Sutra

Clearly this is not an easy goal or a simple task. This is a great challenge, which the Buddha underscores with his nine easy and six difficult acts near the end of the chapter.

“Good men! Think this over clearly!
It is difficult
To expound this sūtra.
Make a great vow to do this!”

Our faith and the strength we gain from our practice is the key here. As explained in History and Teachings of Nichiren Buddhism:

“The original intention of the Buddha was not to discourage those gathered at the assembly with the teaching of the six difficult and nine easier actions. He taught these to rouse others to resolve to spread the message of the Lotus Sūtra actively throughout one’s life, no matter how hard that might be. He wants those who meet difficulties not to shrink back, but to move forward with an indomitable will.

History and Teachings of Nichiren Buddhism, p 87

We are expected to advance not despite difficulties, but with the faith that carries us through this sea of suffering to the other shore.

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