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The Lotus Sutra - 02 Expedient Means - 5 The reason for the use of expediency
Identifier
023870
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
The Lotus sutra – translated by Burton Watson
The times when the Buddhas appear in the world
are far apart and difficult to encounter.
And even when they appear in the world
it is difficult for them to preach this Law.
Throughout incalculable, innumerable kalpas
It is rare that one may hear this Law,
and a person capable of listening to this Law,
such a person is likewise rare.
It is like the udumbara flower
which all the world loves and delights in,
which heavenly and human beings look on as something rare,
but which appears only once in many many ages.
If a person hears this Law, delights and praises it,
even if he utters just one word,
then he has made offerings
to all the Buddhas of the three existences.
But a person like this is very rarely found,
rarer than the udumbara flower.