大般涅槃經集解 2.41

2.41

Sengzong states: Having seen the three auspicious signs, how could they not grieve? Admonishing one another, they devised a plan of earnest entreaty.
Baoliang states: An older interpretation says: "If a living being's lifespan was one eon, they pleaded for a lifespan of one eon. If half an eon, they pleaded for half an eon." In my own view, this is not so; it was probably following conventional ways. At that time, people wished in their hearts for the Buddha to abide in the world; how could they specifically wish for one eon or half an eon? Speaking in terms of little, it was out of fear that much would be difficult to hope for.
Huilang states: Below this is the second stage, with two points: first, advising and encouraging one another beforehand.