大般涅槃經集解 2.105

2.105

Sengliang comments: He knew that the time for accepting had not yet arrived. If he accepted from those before, those after could not present [theirs]. In the past, silence meant acceptance, whereas now silence meant non-acceptance. In former days, his body was healthy, and any flavor whatsoever was suitable. If he had spoken of acceptance, it would resemble greed, so he did not speak. Now, claiming illness and weakened strength, he himself knew what was needed. Therefore, if he spoke he accepted, and if he did not speak it was not needed. Fayao says: When first born in the royal palace, he proclaimed himself 'worthy of offerings'; thus whenever there was an offering he accepted it, so why need he utter words? Now, revealing that the dharmakāya is permanent and blissful and does not eat, he remained silent without speech, so in principle one knows he did not accept. Baoliang says: Knowing the time has three aspects: first, the Buddha does not accept invitations from two donors; second, he accepts due to past vows; third, knowing that Cunda acting as donor would bring vast benefit. Huilang says: Knowing the time has three aspects: first, knowing the time of acceptance has not yet arrived; second, knowing the assembly at that time lacked past vows; third, knowing that if he accepted other offerings right then, he could not bring widespread benefit.