Chapter 14: Peaceful Practices

The Bodhisattva Manjushri asks the Buddha how a bodhisattva should preach the Lotus Sutra during the evil and corrupt age that will follow the Buddha's extinction. In response, the Buddha describes four categories of peaceful practice. The first concerns the sphere of action and associations of the body: a bodhisattva should be patient, gentle, and non-confrontational, avoiding intimate associations with rulers, non-Buddhist teachers, and those who might compromise the teaching. The second concerns speech: one should preach without disparaging other sutras or other teachers, never speaking of others' faults or praising oneself.

The third practice concerns the mind: a bodhisattva should not harbor jealousy, flattery, or deceit, and should not despise or look down upon any practitioner. One should regard all beings as future Buddhas and address all bodhisattvas with deep respect. The fourth practice concerns vows: one should resolve to lead all beings to the Dharma through great compassion, vowing to teach them the path to Buddhahood regardless of how little they initially understand. These four practices together form a comprehensive ethical and spiritual guide for teachers of the Dharma in difficult times.

The chapter concludes with the parable of the jewel in the topknot. A wheel-turning king who has conquered many lands rewards his soldiers with various gifts -- lands, robes, gold, jewels -- but withholds the single bright jewel in his own topknot until the very end, when he bestows it upon the most deserving warrior. Similarly, the Buddha has taught many sutras but has reserved the Lotus Sutra, the jewel in his topknot, until this moment. It is the supreme treasure of his Dharma, given to those ready to receive it.