The six difficult things all have to do with the very practices outlined in the Lotus Sutra as ways of practicing the teachings in the ages after the death of the Buddha. It will be hard to teach this sutra to others. It will also be hard to copy and keep, or follow, this sutra or to cause others to do the same. It will be difficult to read even a little of this sutra, or to teach even one person. It is also hard to listen to or to seek out this sutra or to inquire into the meaning of the teachings contained within.

There should be no surprises when obstacles appear that cause us to become discouraged or wish to give up our practice. It also should not be surprising how easy it is to just simply stop practicing or to gradually let our practice slack off and eventually stop altogether. It shouldn’t be surprising and yet many people fail to recall this or even keep a caution in their mind.

[I]n Chapter XV we have a transition from Buddhist practices, including the Lotus Sutra, of being either solely spiritual or intellectual activities. In this chapter what comes out is the practice of the Lotus Sutra is one of action and involvement in the material world. It isn’t simply about self-improvement but about carrying our practice into the world where we work, live, and play. The value of the practice is only realized when we can manifest it in our lives.