The Lotus Sutra is the completion of over 50 years of Shakyamuni Buddha’s teaching the Dharma which extended over five periods. The Lotus Sutra was preceded by many varied and important propaedeutic sutras which were taught to the monks and laity in order to create and foster a Buddhist culture and practice, nurture and facilitate growth while finally leading them and all humankind towards enlightenment. These five important periods, also called The Five Periods and Eight Teachings, are as follows:

1. Kegon Period: (21 days), resulting in the Kegon Sutra
2. Agon or Deer Park Period: (12 years), resulting in the Agama Sutra or also known as the Pali canon.
3. Hoto Period: (8 years), resulting in the Shrimala, Gejimatsu, Vimalakirti, Muryoju, Amitayus, Amida, Oainichi, Kongocho and Soshitsuji Sutras
4. Hannya Period: (21 years), resulting in the Hannya, Makahannya Haramitsu and Hannya Shin-Kyo (Heart Sutra) Sutras.
5. Hokke-Nehan: (8 years), resulting in the Threefold Lotus (Muryogi Sutra, the Lotus Sutra and the Bodhisattva Fugen Sutra) and Nirvana Sutras.