翻譯名義集 4.13

4.13

[Vyākaraṇa] This translates as "prophecy" (vyākaraṇa). Dharmottara says: "When holy words bestow [a prediction], it is called bestowing (vyā-); when the fruit is what the mind anticipates, it is called prophecy (-karaṇa)." The Miaoxuan says: "Explaining the kalpas and realms of the nine paths wherein one shall attain Buddhahood." The Śūraṅgama Sūtra explains four kinds of prophecy: First, prophecy before giving rise to the aspiration [for awakening]. There may be those transmigrating through the six paths who go into the human realm and love and delight in the Buddha-Dharma; passing hundreds of thousands of ten thousands of kotis of kalpas, they will give rise to the aspiration; passing hundreds of thousands of ten thousands of kotis of asaṃkhyeya kalpas, they will practice the bodhisattva path, making offerings to buddhas and transforming people; after a certain number of kalpas, they will attain bodhi. (The Commentary on the Vimalakīrti says: "Although they have not yet given rise to the aspiration, the prophecy is bestowed. Just as the Buddha, beside the Jeta Grove, bestowed a prophecy on a sparrow." It also says: "In terms of the stages of the four teachings, although one is an ordinary being bound by all fetters, or [practicing] the expedient means of the two vehicles, if one has the Mahāyāna capacity according to the four teachings, prophecy is bestowed even though one has not yet given rise to the aspiration.") Second, prophecy upon having just given rise to the aspiration. This person has long planted roots of goodness, loves and delights in the great Dharma, has a mind of compassion, and abides in the stage of non-retrogression; therefore, upon giving rise to the aspiration, prophecy is bestowed. (The Commentary on the Vimalakīrti says: "Being directly before [the Buddha] refers to the internal ordinary being; upon just giving rise to the aspiration, prophecy is bestowed.") Third, secret prophecy. There are bodhisattvas who have not yet received prophecy, but whose merits in practicing the six perfections are fulfilled. The devas, dragons, and eight classes of beings all think: 'When will this bodhisattva attain bodhi? How many kalpas, lands, and assemblies of disciples will there be?' The Buddha resolves this doubt and immediately bestows prophecy. The whole assembly knows it, yet this bodhisattva alone does not know. (The Commentary on the Vimalakīrti: "Question: 'Why is prophecy given secretly?' Answer: 'There are bodhisattvas whose mental practice is not yet mature; if they were to hear the prophecy, their minds would become indolent and negligent, so they cannot receive prophecy in person.'" It also says: "Secret prophecy corresponds to the stage of external ordinary beings in the three teachings.") Fourth, in-person prophecy of non-arising. In the great assembly, attaining non-arising in person, prophecy is bestowed openly. (The Commentary on the Vimalakīrti says: "'Non-arising' refers to the stage of seeing the true in the three teachings.")