Significance of Prophecy
In Buddhism, Prophecy plays a significant role across various traditions, encompassing predictions about individuals' spiritual futures and potential attainments. It includes the foretelling of Bhagineyyupali's role as a chief disciple, the future enlightenment of disciples, and significant predictions regarding future Buddhas. Tibetan Buddhism adds layers with prophecies from spiritual beings concerning individuals like blo bzang grags pa. Overall, Prophecy in these contexts emphasizes foresight about enlightenment, spiritual significance, and individuals' roles in the broader framework of Buddhist teachings.
Synonyms: Prediction, Omen, Revelation, Divination, Soothsaying, Prophesy, Vaticination, Prognostication, Augury, Foresight, Oracle, Vision
In Dutch: Profetie; In Finnish: Profetia; In Swedish: Profetia; In Spanish: ±Ê°ù´Ç´Ú±ð³¦Ã²¹; In German: Prophezeiung; In Malay: Nubuatan; In French: ±Ê°ù´Ç±è³óé³Ù¾±±ð
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Prophecy'
In Buddhism, Prophecy encompasses predictions made by the Buddha regarding individuals' future achievements, including Buddhahood and spiritual status, serving to inspire and guide followers through foretellings of their destinies and spiritual potential.
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A prediction made about future events, such as the attainment of enlightenment by future disciples.[1] (2) The foretelling given by the Glorious One concerning Bhagineyyupali's future as a monk and a chief disciple.[2] (3) Predictions made concerning the Bodhisatta’s future as a Buddha or world king, based on physical signs and omens.[3] (4) A foretelling of Sumedha's future attainment of Buddhahood by Dipankara, which inspired and motivated him.[4] (5) The prediction made by the Buddha regarding the devotee's future attainment of high spiritual status, specifically becoming Mahakassapa.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The prediction made by Buddha Kondanna regarding the future attainment of Buddhahood by Bodhisatta Gotama.[6] (2) A prediction about the future, particularly regarding Bodhisatta, Bhikkhu Vijitavi's destined rebirth as Buddha Gotama.[7] (3) The predictions made by Buddha Piyadassi regarding the future destined attainment of Buddhahood by Kassapa.[8]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Predictions received by blo bzang grags pa regarding his potential future as a Buddha and his impact on the doctrine of Buddhism.[9] (2) A prediction given to the siddha khyung po rnal 'byor concerning his future and the significance of his teachings, often involving auspicious outcomes.[10] (3) A foretelling or prediction made by a dakini or other spiritual beings about future events or guidance.[11]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The act of foretelling the spiritual potential of an individual, often as spoken by enlightened beings like the Buddha.[12]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The prediction or declaration made by the Buddha regarding a being's future attainment of Buddhahood (vyakarana).[13]
Hindu concept of 'Prophecy'
In Hinduism, Prophecy encompasses future assertions concerning Kohala’s insights on drama beyond Bharata's scope and unfulfilled predictions about Rohitashva’s destiny due to his premature death, highlighting the significance of foresight in cultural narratives.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Predictions made about Rohitashva’s future that were unfulfilled by his untimely death.[14]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) A future-oriented assertion made regarding Kohala’s writings on aspects of drama that were not covered by Bharata.[15]
The concept of Prophecy in local and regional sources
Prophecy signifies a prediction about the resurgence of colonial influences, suggesting unresolved issues related to historical power dynamics and lingering impacts from the past that continue to affect current societal challenges.
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) This is what was referenced from Isaiah, where it was said that in the habitation of dragons, grass with reeds and rushes might be.[16] (2) This refers to the prediction the king received, and he escaped danger and succeeded to the throne, demonstrating a fulfillment of a prediction.[17] (3) The prophecy refers to Ethelthryth's ability to foresee events, as she foretold the pestilence of which she was to die and the number of those who would be taken from her monastery.[18]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A foretelling concerning the rise of a ghost from the past of colonial power, hinting at ongoing challenges.[19]