法華義疏 9.152

9.152

「佛告藥王又如來滅後」下，第二、明佛滅後弟子聞經得記。所以有此文來者，凡有二義：一者、前令八萬大士於佛在世十方佛土弘經，今於佛滅後弘經也。二者、有人疑云：佛在世時眾生福德利根聞法隨喜可得記耳；佛滅度後薄福鈍根雖復隨喜應不得記。是故釋云：但使聞經信解功德一等，皆與授記也。

From "The Buddha addressed Bhaiṣajyarāja: Furthermore, after the Tathāgata's extinction" downward is the second part, clarifying that disciples after the Buddha's extinction who hear the sūtra receive prophecy. Why this text appears has two meanings in all: First, previously he caused the eighty thousand great beings to propagate the sūtra in the Buddha lands of the ten directions while the Buddha was in the world; now it is propagating the sūtra after the Buddha's extinction. Second, someone might doubt: while the Buddha was in the world, sentient beings had merits and sharp faculties, so hearing the Dharma and rejoicing in accord could earn them prophecy; but after the Buddha's extinction, those of slight merit and dull faculties, even though they rejoice in accord, should not receive prophecy. Therefore he explains: as long as the merit of hearing the sūtra with faith and understanding is equal, all are conferred prophecy.