Chapter 14 of the Lotus Sutra is considered to have been the last chapter added to the Lotus Sutra by perhaps as much as several hundred years and is undoubtedly the most problematic. It stands alone in a few points and in contradiction with other chapters, especially Chapter 2.
A case in point is Rev. Murano's English translation's use of the phrase "patient, mild and meek." Suggesting that bodhisattvas should be mild and meek.
This is a poor translation leading to misunderstanding about our role as bodhisattvas in the world.
Kosei's new translation, The Threefold Lotus Sutra, uses the phrase "flexible, gentle, and compliant."
Gene Reeve's translation uses the phrase "patient, gentle and agreeable."
And, Leon Hurvitz's translation uses the phrase, "gentle, agreeable, and good."
Rev. Murano is alone in choosing "mild and meek."
If we look deeper into the meaning of this paragraph using Master Zhiyi's (T'ien-t'ai) interpretation of the Three Truths as guidance, which is important for Nichiren practitioners, we see this paragraph is describing our mental condition and intentions; not how we should act in the world.
From this paragraph's footnote #10 (Kosei translation, The Threefold Lotus Sutra) "'Moreover, they should see all things as ultimate reality, and not hold to practices of non-differentiation.' In other words, bodhisattvas should have no attachments to existence, and nor should they be attached to emptiness, despite seeing all things as such."
Again, this paragraph is describing our mental posture to life, what we seek to cultivate through meditation on Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.
This is better explained in Chapter 16: "Are upright in character and gentle and flexible in mind." (Kosei)
Why is this important? Rev. Murano implies our actions in the world should be "meek and mild." Suggesting we accept without protest things around us, no matter how un-wholesome. That when we see someone or something doing harm we accept it or tolerate it.
As bodhisattvas we must always speak out against harm caused by the un-wholesome thoughts, words and deeds of Ignorance, Anger and Greed, or Fundamentalism, Racism and Objectivism. Even within our own religious communities, if we see others acting unwholesomely or unskillfully.
We must act - guided by our intention, wisdom and compassion gained from meditation on Namu Myoho Renge Kyo - for all beings to be happy, well, safe, peaceful and at ease.
But we should never be "meek and mild" and accept and tolerate evil, harm and unwholesome thoughts, words and actions.
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo
Novice Ryugan White Lotus