三彌勒經疏 1.48

1.48

Question: Since it is known that both Śākyamuni and Maitreya had already accomplished Buddhahood in the past, whose true body accomplished Buddhahood first among the two bodhisattvas? Answer: The *Sūtra on the Ten Stages for Severing Bonds* says: "Maitreya accumulated practice for kalpas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, and by his vow attained right awakening first; my own training in practice was after him." Corroborated by this text, Maitreya attained it first and Śākyamuni attained it later. However, regarding the *Lotus Sūtra*'s statement, "It has been immeasurable, boundless, nayutas of kalpas since I actually accomplished Buddhahood," the true bodies of the two Buddhas naturally have their own antiquity and recency, which may be understood upon reflection.