two places and three assemblies [二処三会] ( nisho-san’e): Also, three assemblies in two places. The settings in which Shakyamuni preaches the Lotus Sutra, as described in the sutra. The sutra begins with Shakyamuni preaching on Eagle Peak. Then, invoking supernatural powers, he raises the assembly into midair, where he continues to preach. Finally he returns the assembly to Eagle Peak, where the sutra concludes. The three assemblies are the first assembly, which takes place on Eagle Peak; the Ceremony in the Air, in which the assembly is convened in midair; and the assembly that begins with everyone’s return to Eagle Peak. The “two places” are atop Eagle Peak and in the air. The first assembly on Eagle Peak begins with the “Introduction” (first) chapter and continues through the first half of the “Treasure Tower” (eleventh) chapter. The Ceremony in the Air begins in the latter half of the “Treasure Tower” chapter and ends with the “Entrustment” (twenty-second) chapter. The final assembly on Eagle Peak begins with the “Medicine King” (twenty-third) chapter and lasts through the “Universal Worthy” (twenty-eighth) chapter, or until the end of the sutra.