History and Teachings of Nichiren Buddhism, p 126The five preliminary grades of disciples are set forth in Chapter 17 of the Lotus Sūtra, “The Variety of Merits,” as a series of stages:
- Joy from assenting to the truth
- Reading and reciting
- Teaching the Dharma
- Practicing the six perfections concurrently
- Correctly practicing the six perfections
At the first stage, one listens to the Wonderful Dharma of three thousand realms in a single thought-moment, inwardly contemplates the doctrine of “the threefold contemplation in a single mind,” views “the threefold truth in a single object,” and improves one’s understanding through the practices of the five dimensions of repentance.
The Five Repentances are:
- Repentance
- Imploring
- Rejoicing
- Merit transfer
- Making a vow
