阿彌陀經疏 1.214

1.214

經曰：「其中多有一生補處，非是算數所能知之，但可以無量無邊阿僧祇劫說」，次釋第三舊聖眾，即助圓淨，謂諸菩薩助佛揚化。一生補處者，謂十地菩薩更於兜率天一度受生，從兜率下即補前佛處而成佛故。故《資糧論》云：一生補處及最後身，問：為一為異？答：不同，謂第十地菩薩更有一生所繫者，方欲入兜率天也；若正住兜率天中者名最後身。《大品經》云：是菩薩一生補處，是菩薩最後身。《大論》問云：兜率天有一生補處菩薩，如何餘國亦有？答：天上者是三千國土常法，餘處者不定。《無量壽經》云：設我得佛，他方佛土諸菩薩眾來生我國，究竟必至一生補處，除其本願自在所化者。以佛本願力故，生彼國者入補處位也。

The sūtra states: “Among them are many who are in their last rebirth before Buddhahood; their number is not what can be known by calculation, but can only be spoken of in terms of immeasurable, boundless asaṃkhyeya kalpas.” Next, this explains the third [group], the assembly of formerly established sages; that is, assisting in the perfection of the pure [land], meaning the various bodhisattvas assist the Buddha in spreading his transformation. As for 'in their last rebirth before Buddhahood' (ekajāti-pratibaddha), this means a bodhisattva of the tenth bhūmi receives birth one more time in Tuṣita Heaven, and descending from Tuṣita, replaces the previous Buddha's position and attains Buddhahood. Therefore the *Treatise on the Provisions for Awakening* says: “Regarding 'in the last rebirth before Buddhahood' and 'the final existence', question: Are they identical or different? Answer: They are not the same; a bodhisattva of the tenth bhūmi who is still bound to one more birth is just about to enter Tuṣita Heaven; one who is currently abiding in Tuṣita Heaven is called 'in the final existence'.” The *Larger Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra* says: “This bodhisattva is in the last rebirth before Buddhahood; this bodhisattva is in the final existence.” The *Mahāprajñāpāramitā-upadeśa* asks: “Tuṣita Heaven has bodhisattvas in their last rebirth before Buddhahood; how can other lands also have them?” Answer: “The one in heaven is the regular rule for a three-thousandfold world; in other places it is variable.” The *Sūtra of Immeasurable Life* says: “If, when I attain Buddhahood, the assemblies of bodhisattvas from other Buddha lands come to be born in my land and do not ultimately and definitely reach the stage of being in the last rebirth before Buddhahood—excepting those who, by their original vows, freely transform others—[may I not attain unexcelled awakening].” Because of the power of the Buddha's original vows, those who are born in that land enter the stage of successor [to Buddhahood].