Human sentiment is [the source of] blindness and ignorance; pure faith is something quite hard [to attain]. [As such], [the Buddha] has found it necessary to [devise] a universal measure that is applicable to any circumstance; to resort to traces [instead of showing the reality itself]; and to corroborate [his theses] by means of worldly facts. [The process of] corroborating by means of the facts being shown, faith is then strengthened.

The bodhisattva Universally Worthy (Samantabhadra) made a vow in an earlier reincarnation, [saying] “if there is any place where people read and recite the Scripture of Dharma Blossom, I will go there and encourage them, showing them what is false and wrong.” [Hence], the chapter is entitled “Encouragements.” Beings were pleased with the [Buddha’s] response by way of the supernatural omen [in the previous chapter]. Thereupon [they have been made determined to] cultivate the sūtra with the utmost diligence and zeal.