latter age　末代 A synonym for mappō, the last of the three dharma-ages (right, semblance, and last)―a scheme which describes a gradual decline of the Buddhist teaching in the world. During the right dharma-age, Śākyamuni’s teaching is generally understood, its practices performed, and enlightenment is thereby attained. During the semblance dharma-age, practices are still performed in accord with the teaching, but enlightenment is no longer attained. During the last dharma-age, the teaching alone survives, but the practices are beyond the capacities of beings because of the prevalence of the various defilements that mark the times. Shinran declares that we are now in the last dharma-age and that the Pure Land teaching alone remains effective.