1. Reading: Excerpt from the Lotus Sutra
Chapter 10 Teachers of the Dharma (page 230)

2. Chapter 10 “Teacher of the Dharma”
Hoza Discussion
Chapter 10 “Teacher of the Dharma”
For the first time in the Lotus Sutra
Buddha addresses a bodhisattva
(Medicine King)

3. thought, at hearing a verse extinction, will be able to
At that time, the Buddha
addressed the bodhisattva
Medicine King and the crowd
of 80,000 bodhisattvas.
“Anyone who
rejoices on a moment’s
thought, at hearing a verse
or phrase of the Lotus
Sutra, either in my
presence, or after my
extinction, will be able to
become a buddha.”

4. Revolutionary Lotus Sutra
Anyone who teaches the Universal Truth
for the sake of others (bodhisattva way)
is a Teacher of the Dharma
- a title no longer limited to monks and nuns -
Now all practitioners (3 vehicles) become
aware that they are truly bodhisattvas

5. We are ALL
Teachers of
The Dharma
thought – word - action

6. Pre - Birth Vow
If we are now hearing and practicing the Buddha Dharma, we have chosen to be born here and share the Dharma, in hopes that together we will reach Enlightenment
It is a sacred opportunity

7. Karma Born vs. Vow Born Karma born - entering this life operating
only on effects of karma. Ignorant of the
true essence of the Eternal Buddha in us.
Vow born - realizing that we share the
same essence as the Eternal Energy/
Consciousness (true self) and that our life
has purpose.

8. The 5 Practices Receiving and Keeping Reading Reciting Expounding
Copying

9. RECEIVING AND KEEPING Always maintain a clear, fresh,
and new acceptance of the Truth,
and hold it sacred
Most important of the 5 – believing deeply in the Dharma
and holding firm by your understanding and experience

10. READING Through reading, one can study the Sutra over and over again
Reading it silently - Reading it aloud
Listening to others read it

11. RECITING Through repeated recitation, one memorizes the Sutra
This brings the substance of the Teachings into your
heart, and adds a positive essence into your daily thoughts.

12. This is mutually beneficial
EXPOUNDING
All the previous practices, now create in you, the ability to explain the Dharma for the benefit of others
This is mutually beneficial

13. COPYING By copying the Sutra, you actually,
and symbolically engage in an effort to
spread the Dharma throughout the world
This action manifests the continuation of the Teachings in this
world, and deepens our own faith and discernment.

14. “Build a stupa where
this Sutra is studied
and practiced.
No relics are needed…
I (Buddha) will be
present in the text.”
We don’t worship an
image or idol –
The greatest veneration
is to practice
the Dharma.

15. High level teachings of liberation always
Be wise in your teaching – do not give
the Sutra to careless or irresponsible people.
(Both during the Buddha’s life and afterwards
the Sutra caused jealousy and resentment)
High level teachings of liberation always
cause unrest within the current
controllers of a society.
Buddha, Christ, and Nichiren
all experienced this.

16. Support from the Buddha
“After the Buddha’s extinction - anyone who teaches a phrase of the Lotus Sutra, even in secret, is my messenger, and I will carry them on my shoulders.”
(Even more so, those who teach in great assemblies)
“Those who live the Teachings (5 practices) will be covered by my robe and protected by the buddhas of all worlds.
They will have great power of faith, resolute vow, and
a virtuous character.”
- Know that these people dwell with the Tathagata -

17. Buddha’s Support For those who teach the Lotus Sutra, I will…
Send messengers to help gather students
Send you people who are ready to hear the Dharma
Even if you are in a secluded place, I will send them
Though I am in a different domain, I will cause you to sometimes see me
If you forget the details, I will return to you in some form and remind you
I will protect you - so have confidence on the Path

18. The person who praises the keeper of this
sutra will obtain more merits than the
person who praises the Buddha.

19. The ROBE, THRONE,
and ABODE
of the
Tathagata

20. THE ROBE
The Robe of the Tathagata is a gentle and patient heart, that never becomes angry if bitter or difficult experiences occur
One is never swayed by compliments that they may receive from others ( Don’t get a “big head “)
Wearing this robe, one is not effected by evil (Mara) influences either internal (mind) or external (body)
One easily maintains the determination to share the Dharma with others

21. THRONE
To sit on the seat of the Tathagata means to see the “emptiness” of all things
View all things equally (knowing differences)
The spirituality of all existences

22. THE ABODE
Staying in the abode of the Tathagata gives us a compassionate heart that genuinely desires to free all people, both friends and strangers – even those that wish us harm
Anyone can enter this abode through a true spirit of “big-heartedness” and compassion

23. What does this mean for us?
Realize that through study and practice we overcome any difficulties in our life
We have a sacred opportunity to share this with others – to eliminate suffering
Acquire the Robe, Throne and the Abode
(Compassion, Patience, Interconnectedness)

24. Even if it seems that our efforts don’t
Final Thought
Even if it seems that our efforts don’t
show a good effect, don’t get stuck on
expecting results – just continue to
teach and help others, with full
knowledge that the Path is correct