妙法蓮華經玄贊 5.80

5.80

The Commentary says: In the first cycle, the fourth section below is the Buddha bestowing a prophecy upon him, which has two parts: first, bestowing the prophecy; afterward, devas and humans making offerings, praising, and dedicating merit. The first again is divided into two: first, clarifying the bestowing of the prophecy; afterward, there is one verse concluding the assembly and causing them to rejoice. The first text has two: first, bestowing the prophecy of causes; afterward, bestowing the prophecy of fruition. This initial text has four parts: first, the passage of time exceeding limitless kalpas; second, externally encountering excellent conditions by meeting a certain number of buddhas; third, upholding the true Dharma; fourth, completely practicing the benefiting of sentient beings. It is essential that causal practice be fulfilled before the fruit can be accomplished. Not having yet entered the ten faiths, there are still twenty thousand kalpas; how much more so after giving rise to the mind, the time should be distant. Therefore, this first section first speaks of the multitude of kalpas before encountering all buddhas, being able to enter the great kalpas, upholding the true Dharma, and so on.