金剛經纂要刊定記 5.262

5.262

"Attaining prediction": according to the *Śūraṅgama Sūtra*, there are four kinds of prediction: First, conferring prediction before giving rise to the mind: perhaps there is one who transmigrates through the five destinies, is born among humans, and takes joy in the Buddhadharma; after hundreds of thousands of koṭis of eons they will give rise to the mind, and after hundreds of thousands of koṭis of eons they will practice the bodhisattva path, making offerings to Buddhas and transforming sentient beings, and after so many eons will attain bodhi. Second, conferring prediction right when giving rise to the mind: this person has planted wholesome roots over long eons, takes joy in the Great Dharma, has a mind of compassion, and immediately abides on the irreversible stage; therefore prediction is conferred when giving rise to the mind. Third, secret prediction: there is a bodhisattva who has not yet received prediction, yet has completed the merit of practicing the six pāramitās; the gods, nāgas, and eight classes of beings all think: 'When will this bodhisattva attain bodhi? What will be the number of their eon, realm, and disciples?' The Buddha severs this doubt and immediately confers prediction on them; the entire assembly knows, but this bodhisattva alone does not know. Fourth, prediction upon the forbearance of the non-production of dharmas: openly conferring prediction within the great assembly. The present case corresponds to the fourth. That is, scattering flowers on the Buddha's crown and spreading hair in the mud, relying on the defiled mind one attains the unproduced wisdom, and distinctly receives prediction at a specific moment before the great assembly.