起信論疏筆削記 1.42

1.42

From "However, relying..." onwards explains the reason for composing the treatise, which has two parts: now, the first is a revelation by negation. Wishing to reveal the bodhisattva's composition of the treatise, he first clarifies the time when there was no need for a treatise. When the Tathāgata was in the world, that was the time being supreme and conditions being supreme; the faculties being mature and easy to tame was the faculties being supreme and practice being supreme. That is to say, from the time Śākyamuni achieved enlightenment until he entered nirvāṇa, the transformation of the Dharma was prevalent, sages and worthies assisted and praised, people's faculties were mature, and their nature and conduct were gentle and compliant; having planted good roots not under just one Buddha, they had long cultivated roots of virtue throughout immeasurable kalpas.