Chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra begins at this point.

At that time the Buddha said to the bodhisattvas and all the great assembly, “Believe and discern, all you good sons, the veracious word of the Tathāgata.” Again he said to the great assembly, “Believe and discern the veracious word of the Tathāgata.” And a third time he said to all the great assembly, “Believe and discern the veracious word of the Tathāgata.”

The Buddha’s saying “Believe and discern it” instead of commanding “Believe it” has an important meaning. Sakyamuni Buddha never forced his ideas upon his disciples or other people. He preached the truth as it was and exhorted his listeners, saying, “You, too, behold it.” He led them on the way of the truth and coaxed them, saying, “You, too, come to me.” His exhortation to “behold the truth” instead of saying only “Believe it” is a very important point. This short phrase of the Buddha speaks for the character of his teachings. His words “Behold it” are equivalent to the “scientific spirit” in today’s parlance. The Buddha shows in these few words that if anyone thoroughly views the truth, studies it, and discerns it, he will surely be able to accept it to his satisfaction.

His words “You, too, come to me” include the same important idea. They mean: “Come to me and practice the Law as much as I do. Then you are sure to understand the value of the Law.” The Buddha could never have uttered these words unless he had absolute confidence in the Law and the Way.

Because Sakyamuni Buddha was a reasonable person, he did not say even to his leading disciples, “Believe the truth,” but said, “Believe and discern it,” that is, “Believe it after understanding it.” In this emphasis on belief based on understanding, Buddhism differs fundamentally from many other religions.