For the last chapter (28) in the Lotus Sutra, I listened to the YT video link & read the corresponding chapter (27) in the Thich Nhat Hanh book "Peaceful Action, Open Heart". The latter summarizes how to put all the ten-fold practices into action, to achieve "the collective transformation and liberation for all".
I enjoyed #Mastodharma, even though I participated sporadically. I struggled to understand the YT translated recordings. Even so, I'm grateful for this group discussion. Thank you 🙏
The Lotus Sutra comes to an end with:
Four requirements
Social strictures (some philosophers and all persons fondly addicted to poetry are on the outs, along with butchers and athletes)
A promise to continue helping, with miracles as needed
A retinue (so many kotis of side characters!)
A soundtrack
An elephant king: (it has six tusks, does that mean it’s like a rat king (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat_king ?)
This one was split into 2 chapters in the low quality translation, with the last being encouragement to pass it on.
Thanks for half a year of [muppetflail] all this, @Taweret !
@Taweret As we're on the last chapter, I just wanted to say thanks for bringing this all together each week. I know you got some flack at first, but you kept on, and continued to share the Lotus Sutra with us all. You embodied the virtues of the sutra and encouraged us all to keep reading and open our minds to it's message.
And what a beautiful message it is.
So thank you. In your actions I have seen and heard the Dharma made manifest. The Lotus Sutra come to life.
@Taweret "they are not pleased to consort with (...) those who make a living by pandering" refers to influencers right?
ernie: bert. chapter 28. the last one
bert: okay
ernie: this bodhisattva samantabhadra shows up on a six tusked white elephant and asks the buddha how people keep this sutra alive after he's gone
bert: practical question
ernie: and the buddha tells him. but then samantabhadra makes a vow. he says anyone who practices this sutra, i will show up and protect them
bert: on the elephant
ernie: on the elephant bert. and that's how it ends. twenty eight chapters and the last thing that happens is someone saying i've got you
bert: that's really something
ernie: it really is bert
A weekly, low-pressure peer-led Buddhist sutra discussion group for the Fediverse. It's not Buddhist school. Just a casual place for us to read and chat and share with each other
Each Saturday, we read and discuss one chapter of a Buddhist sutra starting with the Lotus Sutra
we're moving on the last chapter Ch.28 Encouragement of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra
How to Join
Read or listen to Chapter 28 before or on Saturday April 4
(if you're not caught up on the previous chapters that's okay. you can still join in the discussion of this chapter)
Post your thoughts anytime on Saturday using the hashtag #Mastodharma
Follow and/or pin the hashtag #mastodharma so you can keep up with the discussion and boost others
A weekly, low-pressure peer-led Buddhist sutra discussion group for the Fediverse. It's not Buddhist school. Just a casual place for us to read and chat and share with each other
Each Saturday, we read and discuss one chapter of a Buddhist sutra starting with the Lotus Sutra
we're moving on the last chapter Ch.28 Encouragement of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra
How to Join
Read or listen to Chapter 28 before or on Saturday April 4
(if you're not caught up on the previous chapters that's okay. you can still join in the discussion of this chapter)
Post your thoughts anytime on Saturday using the hashtag #Mastodharma
Follow and/or pin the hashtag #mastodharma so you can keep up with the discussion and boost others
MooMoo the Cat
Mr. Funk E. Dude 🤡
Yes, *that* dawn person
Iron Pencil Statue 
Void Chicken