In the beginning when the Sage arranged the teaching, he did not expect that those who would be benefited by it would be limited to contemporary beings; he desired strongly that the teaching be directed to the coming generations, admonishing and transforming numerous living beings. The thesis that the effect of the three makes that of the One, as has been explicated earlier, is roughly completed. This chapter is intended to deal with the topic of those who spread [the sūtra]. When a man wants to propagate the Dharma, it is essential that he hold joy and pleasure in his mind. If his mind is full of hatred and anger, he distances himself from [other] beings. How can the Tao be spread by one who distances oneself from [other] beings? Hence, the chapter is entitled “Appropriate Joy.”

Thereupon Maitreya Bodhisattva-mahāsattva said to the Buddha

Maitreya, who was formerly inclined to practice [the Dharma] with appropriate joy, now again asks the Buddha about its meaning.

World-Honored One! How many merits will be given to a good man or woman who rejoices at hearing this Sūtra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma?

He demonstrates how much or little [happiness they shall obtain], in order to make stronger the beings’ will to seek it.