妙法蓮華經玄義 4.155

4.155

From the original Śākyamuni up to the time of the Buddha Kauṇḍinya-Śikhin is called the first asaṃkhyeya kalpa. They are always free from a female body, yet they do not personally know whether they will become a buddha or not become a buddha. In comparison with the stages of the two vehicles, this should correspond to the stages of the five meditations for stilling the mind, the specific marks, and the general marks of mindfulness, practicing the six pāramitās with a compassionate mind. From the Buddha Kauṇḍinya-Śikhin up to the Buddha Dīpaṅkara is called the second asaṃkhyeya kalpa. At that time, although they personally know they will become a buddha, they do not speak of it with their mouth. In comparison, this stage should correspond to the stage of the dharma of heat, which is the stage of the stage of nature, compliant patience, and initial mind. Having faith in realizing the Dharma, they must know they will become a buddha. Yet using the understanding of heat to cultivate the six pāramitās, their mind is not yet fully clear; hence their mouth does not speak to others. From the Buddha Dīpaṅkara up to the Buddha Vipaśyin is called the third asaṃkhyeya kalpa. At that time, their inner mind is completely clear, they personally know they will become a buddha, and their mouth speaks of it spontaneously without fear or difficulty. In comparison, this stage should correspond to the stage of the dharma of summits, cultivating the six pāramitās. Their understanding of the four truths is clear, like ascending a mountain summit and seeing clearly in the four directions; hence their mouth speaks to others.