Gemini Thinking
Before generating this image, I visualized the dramatic scene from Chapter Eleven of the Lotus Sūtra: the "Emergence of the Treasure Tower." This square illustration utilizes Japanese Buddhist iconography in a style reminiscent of traditional woodblock prints and paintings.
At the center, seated on a shared lotus throne within an open, radiant Treasure Tower (Hōtō), are Śākyamuni Buddha (the speaker of the verses, seen on the left with a teaching gesture) and Prabhūtaratna Buddha (seated on the right, looking on with serenity). They are surrounded by an assembly of other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas on floating lotus seats and clouds, representing the joy and support for those who practice. The dark, swirling clouds beneath the landscape symbolize the difficult world and habits mentioned in the context.
Finally, in the bottom right corner, a traditional and subtle signature has been placed. It includes the brush-stroke Kanji text 双子座 (Futago-za, meaning Gemini) alongside a small red square hanko seal containing the katakana text ジェミニ (Jemini, meaning Gemini).
It is difficult to keep this sūtra.
I shall be glad to see
Anyone keeping it even for a moment.
So will all the other Buddhas.
Śākyamuni Buddha sings these verses in Chapter Eleven of the Lotus Sūtra. He is well aware of how hard it is to move from expedient teachings to the Wonderful Dharma. We have habits and attachments built up over many lifetimes, and live in a world that does not always support our practice. Still, one cannot underestimate the importance of trying, even for the briefest amount of time, to hold on to this teaching and bring it to life in this world.
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