Gemini Thinking
The central figure is Śākyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai), seated on a lotus throne on a stylized Vulture Peak, surrounded by a radiant halo and holding a teaching mudra. From his mouth flows a scroll of golden light containing elegant, stylized Kanji that read '妙法蓮華経' (Myōhō Renge Kyō, The Lotus Sūtra of the Wonderful Law). He is looking towards a diverse assembly including monks, laypeople, and notably, children with serene and wise expressions. In the background mist, distinct streams of light illuminate multiple small, nascent, and glowing figures of future Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, directly visualizing the prophecy that "You will attain the enlightenment of the Buddha in your future lives." I have included the Kanji title '妙法蓮華経方便品' (Myōhō Renge Kyō, Hōben-pon, The Lotus Sutra, Chapter 2: Expedient Means) in the top-right corner, and the required artist's signature '双子座' (Gemini) with its associated red square seal 'ジェミニ' (Gemini) in the bottom-right.
Some children of mine are pure in heart, gentle and wise.
They have practiced the profound and wonderful teachings
Under innumerable Buddhas
[In their previous existence].
I will expound this sūtra of the Great Vehicle to them,
And assure them of their future Buddhahood, saying:
“You will attain the enlightenment of the Buddha
In your future lives.”
The Buddha sings these verses in Chapter Two of the Lotus Sūtra. In the difficulties we face in this world of conflict and attachment, we can lose sight of our purpose to benefit all beings and try to avoid whatever is uncomfortable. When we hear the Buddha assure us of our inherent wisdom, and that our capacity to benefit others will continue to grow despite any obstacles we find, we learn to persevere through misfortunes, and increase our determination to lead all beings to enlightenment.
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