金光明經文句 2.13

2.13

From "Ruciraketu rejoiced" onward is the fifth [section], the prologue on silent reflection and putting forward doubts. The text has two parts: first, seeing the signs and rejoicing; second, silent reflection and presenting doubts. "Rejoiced": having already harboured doubts in mind, upon beholding the portents and seeing the Buddhas, he definitely knows he will hear the Dharma, which is why he rejoiced. From "with a focused mind he recollected the Buddha" onward is silent reflection seeking resolution. Doubts must not be harboured for long, which is why he put forward his doubt. When he recollected Śākyamuni Tathāgata's immeasurable merits, marks and signs, radiance, spiritual powers, and preaching of the Dharma, no doubt arose in any of them; only regarding the span of life did doubt arise in his mind: "Why is the Buddha's lifespan only eighty years?" As this thought covered his mind, he silently put it forward to seek resolution. Why did he not utter words? The four Buddhas had just appeared, and out of awe, reverence, and respect, he did not dare speak. Yet as doubt covered his mind, he could not but reflect upon it. Furthermore, earlier it was by silent reflection that he induced the portents; now, following upon that earlier silent reflection, he merely seeks resolution thereby.