Q: Are the Five Time Periods clarified in the Lotus Sutra?

A: In the chapter on “Belief and Understanding” in the Lotus Sutra it says, “Accordingly he dispatched an attendant to follow quickly … but the poor son was terrified and fell to the earth.” This refers to the first time period. It also says, “He secretly dispatched two men” who brought the son back through expedient means. This refers to the second time period. It also says, “At the end of this time there was mutual trust and he came and went without difficulty, though he still lived in the same place.” This refers to the third time period. It also says, “The father knew that he would die before long ” This refers to the fourth time period. It also says, “When facing his last moments, he ordered his son [to come, and the father revealed their true relationship]. ” This refers to the fifth period.