The core of the Essential Section is the sixteenth chapter, “The Lifespan of the Tathagata.” In this chapter, the Buddha finally reveals the birthless and deathless nature of Buddhahood. The verse portion of the sixteenth chapter is especially revered because it is a simple and powerful summary of this teaching. These verses are known as the “Verses of Eternity.” When these verse are recited we are reminded of the compassionate presence of the Buddha, whose only concern is to enable us to attain Buddhahood just as he did.