The five preliminary grades of disciples are set forth in Chapter 17 of the Lotus Sūtra, “The Variety of Merits,” as a series of stages:

1. Joy from assenting to the truth
2. Reading and reciting
3. Teaching the Dharma
4. Practicing the six perfections concurrently
5. Correctly practicing the six perfections

At the first stage, one listens to the Wonderful Dharma of three thousand realms in a single thought-moment, inwardly contemplates the doctrine of “the threefold contemplation in a single mind,” views “the threefold truth in a single object,” and improves one’s understanding through the practices of the five dimensions of repentance.

The Five Repentances are:

1. Repentance
2. Imploring
3. Rejoicing
4. Merit transfer
5. Making a vow