法華玄論 2.97

2.97

答：此經明久已成佛，斯久已證常。證常之時，尚非補處所知。今言復倍上數者，證常已後，此豈可知？窮學不知，則唯佛覩佛其壽無量，是故常也。又復倍上數者，欲敘佛無始終義也。前明久已成佛，而逸多不見其初，明無始義；今言復倍上數，彌勒不見其後，明無終義。

Answer: This scripture explains that he achieved buddhahood long ago; this having achieved it long ago means he realized permanence long ago. The time when he realized permanence could not even be known by a bodhisattva in his final birth. Now, when it says "again twice the above number," how could that which follows his realization of permanence be known? Since one who has exhausted learning does not know it, then "only a buddha observing a buddha [knows that] his lifespan is measureless"; therefore it is permanent. Furthermore, "again twice the above number" is intended to describe the Buddha's meaning of having no beginning and no end. Formerly it explained that he achieved buddhahood long ago, and Ajita could not see its beginning, clarifying the meaning of having no beginning; now it says "again twice the above number," and Maitreya cannot see its end, clarifying the meaning of having no end.