Chapter II: Beholding the Stūpa of Treasures (Hōtōge)

“To believe in and practice the Lotus Sutra is extremely difficult. Therefore, I (the Buddha) will be highly delighted if there is anyone who always performs the practice of the Sutra seriously, and continues to believe in it and keep it. All Buddhas feel the same way.

“The people whom the Buddhas truly value are those who lead their lives based on their faith in the Lotus Sutra. They are the very people who have true courage. They are truly devout. They are true to the precepts, and are the ones meant to be called true believers. They are most likely to follow directly the Way of the Buddha with high resolve.

“After I enter Nirvana, and when the days of Mappō, the period of Latter Age of the Dharma, arrive, those who read and recite this Lotus Sutra and practice it with firm belief in it are true disciples of the Buddha and are able to live with sincere heart.

“In the days after the Buddha’s extinction, if there is anyone who expounds the true meaning of the Lotus Sutra, this person shall be a light to radiate on the people in this world.

“When the world becomes extremely hostile and full of hardship, if there is anyone who truly understands the teachings of this Sutra and expounds them to the world, this person’s effort will never be in vain. His reputation will prevail, winning the support and protection from many people.”
Easy Readings of the Lotus Sutra