After completing the special transmission [to the Great Bodhisattvas], as recorded in Chapter 21, “Supernatural Powers of the Tathagatas,” Sakyamuni rises from his seat [in Chapter 22, Transmission,] and extends his hands over the heads of [all the other] countless Bodhisattvas who have gathered there. He told them:

For a time so long that it is beyond imagination, I practiced the law which is difficult to obtain, and attained supremeperfect-enlightenment. I now entrust it all to you. Spread this teaching wholeheartedly after my extinction, and benefit and save all the people of the world (p. 297).

This is called the General Transmission, in which the Buddha entrusts his disciples to disseminate the Sutra after his departure. Three times he blesses his assembled followers, repeating the same words.

This is the teaching of Transmission. Here it is called the General or Total Transmission, because by it the Lotus Sutra is entrusted to all Bodhisattvas. What is the difference between this transmission and that which preceded it?

The Great Bodhisattvas from Underground, who received the Special Transmission in the previous chapter, are called “Bodhisattvas Taught by the Original Buddha.” They are the direct disciples of the Eternal and Original Buddha, who reveals his eternity and limitless true form in Chapter 16, “The Duration of the Life of the Tathagata.” The other Bodhisattvas, on the other hand, are called “Bodhisattvas Taught by the Provisional Buddha.” They are disciples of the historical Buddha (the Provisional Buddha), whose figure is limited and temporary. Among these Bodhisattvas, many are representatives from other worlds.