觀彌勒上生兜率天經贊 1.19

1.19

Question: Why did Śākyamuni appear in the world during a kalpa of decrease when the lifespan was one hundred years, whereas Maitreya will appear in the world during a kalpa of increase? Answer: Śākyamuni vowed to instruct and transform during an evil kalpa and to practice austerities, all of which differ from Maitreya. Maitreya vowed to instruct and transform during an auspicious time; therefore no surpassing of kalpas is mentioned [for him]. Moreover, Śākyamuni's sentient beings generate the aspiration upon encountering suffering, and would regress if experiencing pleasure. Maitreya's sentient beings generate the aspiration when experiencing pleasure, and would regress if encountering suffering. Just like Śroṇakoṭīkarṇa, who delighted in marvelous musical instruments, their perspectives thus differ. Appearing in an evil time is because the mind of revulsion is deep; appearing in a pleasurable time is because the mind of joyful admiration is superior.