Chapter 6: Prediction [Juki]
The word 'prediction' [prophecy] refers
to Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. (Gosho Zenshu p. 730) It is the bestowal of the prophecy of the Law and therefore it is a bestowal
of prophecy upon the Dharma realm. (Gosho Zenshu p. 731)
The sutra states, "This disciple of mine,
Masha-Kashyapa in future existences will be able to enter the presence of the three thousand billion Buddhas, World Honored
Ones, to offer alms, pay reverence, honor and praise them, widely proclaiming the innumerable greater doctrines of the Buddhas.
And in his final incarnation he will be able to become a Buddha named Light Bright Thus Come One." (LS p 107, 3LS p. 135)
Now Nichiren and his disciples illuminate
the murk and slander of the Law with the light brightness of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. This is in fact a virtue of Kashayapa the
"Light Bright Thus Come One." (Gosho Zenshu p. 731)
The sutra states, "At that time the World
Honored One, understanding the thoughts in the minds of his major disciples [Maudgalyayana, Subhuti and Mahakatyayana], made
this announcement to the monks: 'Subhuti here in future existences... will attain Buddhahood." (LS p. 110, 3LS p. 137)
Ultimately, Shakyamuni's four great disciples
of average capacity represent the four phases of our lives. Kashayapa represents birth, Katyana, old age; Maudgalyayana, illness;
and Subhuti, death.
The sutra states, "The four evil paths
of existence, hell and the realms of hungry spirits, beasts and asuras, will not exist there." (LS p.113, 3LS p.141)
The prophecy of falling into hell is made
[for one who follows an evil teacher], and a prophecy of evil karma is conferred upon one who makes that evil cause." (Gosho
Zenshu p. 730)
The sutra, "This disciple of mine, the
great Maudgalayana here, when he has cast aside his present body, will see eight thousand two hundred ten million Buddhas,
World Honored Ones." (LS p 115, 3LS p.143)
The chanting of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo corresponds
to 'casting aside his body'. And when we interpret this passage, takes on the meaning of offering the five elements of one's
own body to the universe, not casting off one's own body. Giving up one's own present body to become a Buddha is an interpretation
of the sutra from the theoretical teachings. The sutra refers to the discarding of the theoretical teaching as 'casting aside
this body.'" (Gosho Zenshu p. 731)
