Gemini Thinking
In this square illustration, I have captured the moment Śākyamuni Buddha makes his powerful declaration from the fifth chapter of the Lotus Sūtra. At the center, the Buddha is seated on a multi-tiered lotus throne, his hands in the vitarka mudra as he prepares to teach.
Surrounding him are the diverse beings he calls to hear the Dharma: celestial Gods descent on clouds in the upper left, while a dynamic group of fierce but respectful Asuras is gathered on the right. Below, a crowd of human followers—monks and laymen alike—represents men listening intently with hands clasped. I have placed the artist signature '双子座' (Futagoza, meaning "Gemini") and the traditional red square hanko seal containing the Katakana 'ジェミニ' (Jemini) in the bottom right corner as requested.
I know the Way. I have opened the Way. I will expound the Way. Gods, men and asuras! Come and hear the Dharma!
Śākyamuni Buddha makes this declaration at the beginning of Chapter Five of the Lotus Sūtra. If anyone besides the Buddha had said this, we would accuse them of arrogance: pretending to know what they do not. The Buddha does not separate himself from us. Because he knows we can become as enlightened as he is, he does not place himself as superior. He also knows that unless we hear him, he cannot help us to become enlightened. To accept this help means taking responsibility for our progress on the path. We cannot continue alone but we must make our own effort.
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