A short commentary on the Lotus Sutra

"If I convert by a smaller vehicle 
Even but one human being, 
I shall fall into grudging 
A thing that can not be."(Lotus Sutra Chapter 2) 

"Honestly discarding the provisional teachings, I will now expound the 
Supreme Way".(ibid Ch.2) 

"Wherefore? [Because] there is no such thing as a bhikshu who has really 
obtained arhatship if he has not believed this Law."(ibid Ch.2) 

"These nine divisions of my Law 
Preached according to the [capacity] of all creatures 
Are [but] the introduction of the Great-vehicle 
Hence I preach this sutra."(ibid Ch. 2) 

"[if} sravakas or bodhisattvas 
Hear the Law which I preach 
Even be it one verse, 
all, without doubt, become buddhas...... 

In the appearing of the buddhas in the world 
Only this One is the real fact."(ibid Ch. 2) 

"There is One only and no second vehicle."(ibid Ch 2) 

"The reason why the Tathagata appears 
Is for preaching the Buddha-wisdom; 
Now is the very time.' 
Know, Sariputra! 
The stupid and those of little wit, 
The tied to externals and the proud 
Cannot believe this Law 
But now I am glad and fearless; 
In the midst of the bodhisattvas 
Frankly put aside tactfulness 
And only proclaim the Supreme Way."(ibid Ch. 2) 

"Now again desiring to cause you to recollect the way which you originally 
resolved to follow, I preach for all the sravakas this Great-Vehicle sutra 
called the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Law." (ibid Ch. 3) 

"Whether during the Buddha's lifetime 
Or after his extinction 
If there be any who slander 
Such a sutra as this, 
Who, seeing those who read and recite, 
Write or hold this sutra, scorn and despise, hate and envy them 
And bear them a tenacious grudge. 
Concerning the recompense of such people's sin, 
After their lifetimes end 
They will enter into the Avici hell." (ibid Ch.3) 

"Great Power Obtained! At that time the four groups, bhikshus, bhikshunis, 
upasakas, and upasikas, with angry minds slighted and condemned 
me,  therefore for two hundred kotis of kalpas they never met a buddha, heard 
the Law, never saw a sangha, and for a thousand kalpas underwent great 
sufferings in the Avici hell." (ibid Ch. 20)

             
The 7th Chapter teaches that those who held doubts and 
perplexities about the Lotus Sutra preached by the Buddha Universal 
Surpassing Wisdom and his sixteen sons, remained sravakas [partially
enlightened men and women] for the unimaginably long time of Sanzen 
Jintengo before they were reborn again during the time of Shakyamuni 
(the sixteenth son) and were able to gain full emancipation: 

"All those living beings, innumerable as the sands of the Ganges, whom I 
converted at that time are yourselves, bhikshus..... 
          
 .......These people though they conceive the idea of extinction 
and enter [what they call] nirvana, yet in those lands will seek after the 
Buddha-wisdom and succeed in hearing this sutra. Only by the 
Buddha-vehicle will they attain real extinction."(ibid. Ch. 7) 

"Whoever resists our spell 
And troubles a preacher, 
May his head be split in seven 
Like an arjaka sprout." (ibid Ch. 26) 

The entire 18th Chapter (The Merits of Joyful Acceptance) tells of the 

"reward of such a persuader" and in illucidating that which  one will never 
have to suffer, the Buddha clarifies the "retribution of a dissuader". A 
dissuader is anyone who proclaims another teaching equal or superior to 
the Lotus Sutra. 

             
Thus, there are many instances of the Buddha, in the Lotus 
Sutra teaching of the terrible fate of those who who do not embrace the 
Lotus Sutra. That includes those who embrace other practices, which no 
longer lead to Buddhahood. In this Fearful Age, The Age of Depravation [or 
Latter Day], it includes those who embrace the non-buddhist teachings 
as well as the provisional teachings of the Buddha. The Lotus Sutra  
teaches of  the great benefits of embracing and believing in the Lotus]
Sutra. It reserves its dire predictions for those too ignorant, angry, or 
greedy to believe its hopeful and awe inspiring message.