As the title indicates, the teacher of the Dharma is the theme of this chapter. A teacher of the Dharma is one who expounds or propagates the Dharma (universal law or truth). If Bodhisattvas are expected to expound the Dharma, all of them must already be teachers of the Dharma. Why, then, does the Sutra purposely use the term, “teacher of the Dharma,” instead of simply saying, “Bodhisattva?” … [I]t was not until he expounded and propagated the Dharma that Sakyamuni was able to save people. In other words, Sakyamuni the Savior is nothing less than the (perfect) teacher of the Dharma. The role of teachers of the Dharma is to expound the law after the death of Sakyamuni in order to carry on his saving mission. This and the following chapters will discuss the practices which these teachers of the Dharma must undertake.