法華論疏 1.312

1.312

Within the explanation, there are two parts: first, clarifying that the asaṃkhyeya kalpas are ineffable; second, clarifying that time is ineffable. That the asaṃkhyeya kalpas are ineffable is because there are immeasurable asaṃkhyeyas. "It further manifests five kinds of kalpa" is the second, clarifying that time is ineffable. Question: Why are day, night, and so forth also called kalpas? Answer: In foreign lands they call it kalpa, which is translated here as "distinguishing seasons and periods"; therefore, "kalpa" is a general name for time. But in the sūtras, taking the beginning and end of heaven and earth, they establish its general designation and call it a kalpa, while months, days, day, and night receive their particular names. Question: Why does the section title say "directly perceiving the accomplishment of the rare cause"? Answer: Because only after a long time in the past does the preaching of the Lotus Sūtra occur, it is therefore called "rare."