[In Chapter 17, The Variety of Merits,] the five stages in the future consist of rejoicing on hearing the Sutra, reading and reciting the Sutra, expounding it to others, practicing the Six Perfections, and mastering the Six Perfections.

1. The Stage of Rejoicing.
   At the first stage, one listens to the Lotus Sutra, receives it joyfully, and desires to follow its teachings (p. 258).
2. The Stage of Reading and Reciting.
   At this stage, one who has already experienced the joy makes further progress. He or she keeps the Lotus Sutra; reads and recites it aloud, plumbs its meaning, and studies it more deeply.
3. The Stage of Expounding It to Others.
   At this stage, one makes further progress yet, and is able to explain the Sutra to others.
4. The Stage of Practicing the Six Perfections (Paramitas). At this stage, one is so immersed in the Sutra that he or she begins to practice the Six Perfections of a Bodhisattva.
5. The Stage of Mastering the Six Perfections.
   At this final stage, one upholds the Lotus Sutra, plumbs its deep meaning, explains it to others, practices the Six Perfections, and begins to realize them naturally in daily life.