Sakyamuni Buddha stared at the Decree that had drifted up from across the Years. He narrowed his eyes and pondered for a long moment before finally deciding to comply.
"Lamp."
He presented the Decree and said softly,
"From this day forward, the position of Past Buddha shall be held by the Jade Pool Non-Birth Golden Buddha. Lamp, you shall abdicate."
Ancient Lamp Buddha raised his head, his face full of sorrow. He nodded slightly, gave the Immortal Mother—who had abandoned the Dao for Buddhism—a deep look, and slowly rose, yielding the Buddha's throne.
The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas looked at each other, all remaining silent.
Once the Immortal Mother was seated solemnly on the Past Buddha's Lotus Platform, and once the great title of "Jade Pool Non-Birth Golden Buddha" was proclaimed throughout the Buddha Country and beyond,
Sakyamuni Buddha placed his palms together and received the second Bodhi Decree that descended from across the Years.
