法華經義記 7.3

7.3

In this chapter, the prophecy of future fruition is conferred upon four persons; this is accordingly taken as the chapter title. If speaking of receiving prophecy, the meaning lies with the bodhisattva; if speaking of conferring prophecy, the meaning pertains to the Tathāgata. Thus, 'receiving' has the sense of taking, and 'conferring' has the sense of giving. However, there are two kinds of prophecy: first, that which can prophesy; second, that which is prophesied. That which can prophesy is the Tathāgata's spoken teaching, which is the very essence of prophecy. That which is prophesied is the bodhisattva's future buddhahood fruition, as well as the names of the land and title, which are also called prophecy; this is named from the other. However, within the parabolic exposition that opens the three and reveals the One to transform persons of medium capacity, there were originally four chapters, which constitute four sections; now, this subsequent chapter is the fourth section, conferring prophecy upon persons of medium capacity. Previously, it was also explained: within the four sections, they are routinely divided into two; now, within this conferral of prophecy there are two parts: first, directly conferring prophecy upon these four great disciples; second, the single verse at the end of the chapter further promises to expound the meaning of convergent return for those of lower capacity.