妙法蓮華經 4.44

4.44

“O Bhaiṣajyarāja, if there are erring people during a kalpa, those with

troubled thoughts who always disparage the Buddha in his presence, their

fault is nonetheless slight. Yet if there are those who disparage the laity or

ordained people who recite the Lotus Sutra even with a single evil word, their

fault is extremely grave.

“O Bhaiṣajyarāja! Know that those who recite this Lotus Sutra adorn

themselves with the adornments of a buddha. This means that they will carry

the Tathāgata on their shoulders and pay him homage wherever they go. They

should be respected, revered, honored, and praised wholeheartedly with palms

pressed together, through offerings of flowers, perfumes, necklaces, scented

powders, ointments, burning incense, canopies, flags, banners, clothing, deli-

cious food, music, and the best offerings that people can make. They should

have heavenly jewels scattered upon them and offered to them. Why is this?

Because these people joyfully expound the Dharma and those who hear it

even for an instant will fully attain highest, complete enlightenment.”

Thereupon the Bhagavat, wanting to elaborate upon the meaning of this

Those who want to abide in the buddha path And perfect the wisdom of the Self-generated One, Should always diligently pay homage To those who preserve the Lotus Sutra. Those who want to quickly attain omniscience Should hold to this sutra And pay homage to those who preserve it. Know that anyone who preserves the Lotus Sutra Is an ambassador of the Buddha Who feels compassion for sentient beings. Those who preserve the Lotus Sutra Were born here in this world, Withholding themselves from the Pure Land Out of their compassion for sentient beings. Know that such people are born Where and when they will. They are born in this troubled world To extensively expound the highest Dharma. Such expounders of the Dharma should be revered With offerings of divine flowers, perfumes, Heavenly jeweled clothing, and exquisite celestial jewels. Those who preserve this sutra In the troubled world after my parinirvāṇa, Should be paid homage with palms pressed together Just as one pays homage to the Bhagavat. These heirs of the buddhas should be revered With delicious food, various delicacies, And a variety of clothing, in the hope of hearing The teaching even for an instant. If in the future there is anyone Who preserves this sutra,