妙法蓮華經玄贊 9.32

9.32

The Commentary says: Next it explains that Devadatta, on account of the sūtra, will become a buddha in the future. Because he committed harms, he temporarily fell [into evil destinies], but owing to the power of the sūtra, he will achieve the supreme fruition. The Vimalakīrtinirdeśa states: “Those who manifest as Māra kings are mostly bodhisattvas of inconceivable liberation. Only a musk elephant can wrestle and fight with a musk elephant; it is not what a donkey can bear.” Therefore we know Devadatta manifested this. The prophecy has two parts: first, the prophecy regarding his present [life as a buddha]; thereafter, the prophecy regarding what follows his parinirvāṇa. The present [life] has four aspects: first, own-nature; second, the name of his realm; third, the span of his lifespan; fourth, the benefits.