initial stage of rejoicing ［初随喜品・初随喜］ ( shozuiki-hon or shozuiki): Also, stage of rejoicing. The initial stage of practice of the Lotus Sutra, in which one rejoices on hearing the sutra. It is the first of five stages of practice for believers of the Lotus Sutra after Shakyamuni Buddha’s death, a concept set forth by T’ien-t’ai (538–597) based on the sutra’s “Distinctions in Benefits” (seventeenth) chapter. The chapter reads, “If after the Thus Come One has entered extinction there are those who hear this sutra and do not slander or speak ill of it but feel joy in their hearts, they should know that this is a sign that they have already shown deep faith and understanding.” See also five stages of practice.