These little gems of stories [in the Lotus Sutra] have within them the power to persuade readers that they have the potential and power not only to make more of their own lives but also to make a contribution to the good of others. And since according to the stories the Buddha – now no longer existing in this world in the way he once was – needs others to do his work in this world, what readers do with their own potential to be buddhas makes a cosmic difference, that is, what we do determines to what degree the work of Shakyamuni Buddha gets done in this world. Using that power can cause the whole universe to shake in six different ways! It can even cause a magnificent Stupa to come flying to where we are.