妙法蓮華經玄贊 10.460

10.460

贊曰：第二啟白聞經。有二：初來意，後請疑。謂佛在日法尚難得，滅後無主如何得經？得聞、思、修生信順故。又佛在，眾生惑輕業薄，可得是經；滅後，眾生業厚惑重，如何得經？由難信難聞、難思難修故。

The Commentary says: Second, addressing [the Buddha] and hearing the sūtra. There are two [parts]: first, the purpose of his arrival; next, inquiring about doubts. This means that while the Buddha was in the world, the Dharma was already difficult to obtain; after his extinction, when there is no master, how can one obtain the sūtra? It is so that through hearing, reflecting, and cultivating, they give rise to faith and compliance. Furthermore, while the Buddha was present, sentient beings had light delusions and slight karmic afflictions, so they could obtain this sūtra; after his extinction, sentient beings have heavy karmic afflictions and deep delusions, so how can they obtain the sūtra? Because it is difficult to believe, difficult to hear, difficult to reflect upon, and difficult to cultivate.