三彌勒經疏 1.25

1.25

Question: The Nirvāṇa Sūtra says 'early morning', the Lotus Sūtra says 'broad daylight', and the Prajñā Sūtra says 'midday'. What is the meaning of this sūtra saying 'the first watch of the night'? Answer: Because Śākyamuni appeared in the world of the five turbidities, the beings to be converted have heavy karma; therefore, [...] those not yet saved are exceedingly foolish and numerous, so he further illuminates after the first watch of the night. Another explanation: The period when tomorrow's sun has set is also the first watch of the night; this is an analogy for when Śākyamuni has entered nirvāṇa and Maitreya manifests his traces. 'Raising' means all-pervading, that is, pervading throughout the body. Emitting light reveals the Buddha's compassion universally saving [beings]. As for the colors of the light: the Lotus Sūtra has white; the Nirvāṇa Sūtra has four colors; the previous passage of this sūtra has a hundred billion colors. Now stating 'golden color' here reveals the meaning of being precious among treasures, signifying that producing benefit in the final age is the foremost treasure. Some say there is no difference between the park and the house from the previous park; now it is said that the park is the Jetavana Vihāra, and the house is the elder's residence.