39-Even among those who embrace the lotus sutra very few uphold it steadfastly both in mind and in deed. But those who do will not suffer serious retribution even if they have committed minor offences against Buddhism. Their strong faith expiates their sins as surely as a flood extinguishes tiny fires.
40-If we see a person commit slander and make no effort to stop him even though he could be saved; we betray our great gifts of sight and hearing and so commit an act of utter mercilessness.
41-Chang-an wrote, “If you befriend another but lack the mercy and courage to correct him, you are in fact his enemy”….The most important thing is to continually strengthen your compassion to save others from their slanderous nature.
42-Reprove a person for acting against Buddhism when necessary so that both of you can forestall the consequences of slander.
43-If a believer’s offence is slight forgive him and lead him to obtain benefits. If it is serious admonish him to strengthen his faith so that he can expiate his sins.
44-Always be determined to denounce slanders against true Buddhism to the best of your ability.-THE
EMBANKMENTS OF FAITH
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