法華論疏 2.385

2.385

The statement "causes for receiving prediction" explains the intention behind stopping the entreaty. The reason why the Buddha stopped the entreaty was that he wished to cause them to receive prediction (vyākaraṇa) of becoming buddhas. This stopping of the entreaty is precisely the cause and condition for receiving prediction; moreover, it is because of wishing to cause sentient beings to receive prediction that he stopped the entreaty, and hence it is called "causes for receiving prediction." Question: Prediction is received only in the later, second fascicle; why is the matter of receiving prediction clarified now? Answer: This explains the Buddha's intention. The reason why the Buddha stopped the entreaty was that he intended to cause the people of the two vehicles to obtain prediction of becoming buddhas. Question: How does stopping the entreaty cause them to obtain prediction of becoming buddhas? Answer: Because the Buddha's three stops bring three benefits, which are the causes for stopping the entreaty.