Chapter Title

vyākaraṇaparivarta 

vyākaraṇa – “prophecy” or “prediction,” only in Buddhist Sanskrit as based upon its usage in Pāḷi. Otherwise, the meaning is “explanation.” From vy+ā+√kṛ, divide apart, i.e. distinguish and investigate.

Overall Summary

This chapter features the Buddha’s prophecy of future buddhahood for the four great disciples who taught the parable of the son and the father.

Endurance of the Dharma in the World

Some terms used in this chapter were explained previously, but the notion of the Endurance of the Dharma in the World can be explicated here. The time of the Dharma’s endurance in the world is held by most schools of Buddhism to be limited and to be dividable into phases. The Lotus Sūtra frequently refers to three eras of the Dharma’s existence in the world. The lengths of these eras are given differently on different occasions, so it is not worth going into that here: 

• 1. The Age of the True Dharma – This is the era in which the teachings of the Buddha are upheld correctly and beings may easily progress on the path. 

  2. The Age of the Semblance Dharma – This is the era in which the teachings of the Buddha that are upheld only have a similarity to those taught by the Buddha in the world. While it may be difficult, beings can still progress on the path. 

  3. The Age of the Dharma Decline (not mentioned in this chapter) – During this era, progress on the path is almost impossible. In this era some may recommend focusing on rebirth in a Buddha Land. At the end of this era the Dharma disappears, followed by the coming of the next Buddha. 

Predictions

The first three disciples will all live, as Buddhas, 12 intermediate aeons, and have True Dharma eras and Semblance Dharma eras of 20 aeons, but Mahāmaudgalyāyana’s lifespan and Dharma eras will be twice as long. They are each said to attain their states after immense acts of charity towards great numbers of buddhas. 

• 1. Mahākāśyapa will be a Buddha called Raśmiprabhāsa (Light Ray) in a land called Avabhāsaprāpta (Attainment of Light) in the Mahāvyūha (Great Array) aeon. 

  2. Subhūti will be a Buddha called Yaśasketu (Sign of Honour) in a land called Ratnasaṃbhāva (Source of Jewels) in the Ratnāvabhāsa (Light of Jewels) aeon. 

  3. Mahākātyāyana will be a Buddha called Jāmbūnadābhāsa (Lustre of Gold), his world is not named. 

  4. Mahāmaudgalyāyana will be a Buddha called Tamālapatracandanagandha (Scent of Sandalwood and Garcinia Leaves) in a land called Mano’bhirāma (Pleasing the Mind) in the Ratiprapūrṇa (Full of Delight) aeon.