觀無量壽佛經疏 2.10

2.10

First, regarding "at one time": this directly clarifies the time when transformation was initiated. When the Buddha is about to preach the Dharma, he first depends upon the time and place. It is only because sentient beings' awakening necessarily relies on causes and conditions; the master of transformation approaches their capacities, awaiting the time and place. Furthermore, saying "at one time" refers either to the twelve double-hours of day and night, or the four seasons of the year, and so on. These are all the times when the Tathāgata adapts to capacities to gather and transform. Regarding the "place": according to what is suitable for them, the Tathāgata preaches the Dharma. It may be in mountains and forests, in royal palaces and villages, in wildernesses and charnel grounds, in places with many or few humans and gods, in places with śrāvakas and bodhisattvas, in places with the eight classes of beings, humans, and deva kings, in places of purely ordinary beings or with one or two more, or in places of purely noble ones or with one or two more. According to the time and place, the Tathāgata contemplates and knows them without increase or decrease, conferring the Dharma according to conditions so that each benefits from what sustains them. This is like a great bell: though resonant, it must await striking before it sounds; the Great Sage extends compassion, yet must await entreaty before he preaches. Hence it is called "at one time". Furthermore, "at one time": when Ajātaśatru was instigating rebellion, where was the Buddha? Just at this one time, the Tathāgata was alone with the two assemblies on Mount Gṛdhrakūṭa. This means shaping the upper by means of the lower; hence it says "at one time". Furthermore, "at one time": the Buddha and the two assemblies were at that one time on Mount Gṛdhrakūṭa when they heard the causes and conditions of Ajātaśatru committing this wicked rebellion. This means shaping the lower by means of the upper; hence it says "at one time".