Overall Teaching

The overall teaching of this chapter is that the prediction of awakening, while conventionally given, is ultimately empty and unobtainable, since all dharmas—including prediction, expression, and instruction—are beyond dualistic conception and verbal discrimination. True liberation arises not from clinging to words or objects of perception, but from penetrating wisdom and non-duality, which cut through desire, false discrimination, and attachment.

Summary

1. Śāntamati inquires about the prediction given to Vajrapāṇi; Vajrapāṇi confirms that he received one, but equates it to a dream-like existence. 

2. They debate on how there is 'nothing to be obtained,' where the idea of obtaining is linked to self, person, sentient being, and a range of dualistic concepts. 

3. They discuss how one can receive a prediction amidst 'nothing to be obtained:' Vajrapāṇi suggests that it is only due to penetrating wisdom and non-duality. 

4. Śāntamati argues about how prediction occurs in non-duality, Vajrapāṇi indicates that it's received in a state like that of a sentient being or soul (i.e. only in a dualistic sense), and that his actual state is the same as the Tathāgata's liberation.

5. In discussing expression, elucidation, and instruction, Vajrapāṇi explains that they're mutually exclusive, hinting at a transcending understanding that goes beyond words.

6. In the non-attachment to words and meaning, one realises the unobtainability of dharmas.

7. Vajrapāṇi explains that verbal action, ultimately, is a fault. It is rooted in cognitive apprehension, attachment, and false discrimination.

8. Overwhelming object-perception rooted in sensory experiences is the root of false discrimination; cutting off desire eliminates objects of perception.

9. Vajrapāṇi's exposition leads to mental liberation of some assembly members, showcasing the transformative dialogue.