大般涅槃經義記 3.331

3.331

上來別問，下總問之。「云何真說未來成道」是順問也，若具為文，應言「此事道理云何，願佛為我真實宣說未來實得成佛道不」。「未來不成，云何歸三」反以徵問，未來若無果德可成，云何勸我歸依三寶？

The above were specific questions; below he asks generally. "How can it be truly said that in the future one accomplishes the path?" is a direct inquiry; if stated in full, it should say: "What is the principle of this matter? May the Buddha truly explain for me whether in the future one truly attains the accomplishment of the buddha-path or not?" "If one does not accomplish it in the future, how does one take refuge in the three?" turns to cross-examine: if in the future there is no fruit or virtue to be accomplished, why do you urge me to take refuge in the Three Jewels?