佛祖統紀 34.4

34.4

欲知如來出興大意。必先明乎本迹。而終至結集三藏。以垂範於天下後世。中間八相次第以論。所謂下兜率。託母胎。住胎宮。示降生。出父家。成佛道。轉法輪。入涅槃。於是一代化事為之大備。始昭王甲寅終穆王壬申。以為大綱云。

If one wishes to know the great intention of the Tathāgata's arising in the world, one must first clarify the trace and origin, and ultimately proceed to the compilation of the Tripiṭaka to provide a model for the realm and later generations. In between, the eight phases are discussed in succession: the so-called descending from Tuṣita, lodging in the mother's womb, dwelling in the womb palace, manifesting birth, leaving the father's household, accomplishing the Buddha Way, turning the wheel of the Dharma, and entering nirvāṇa. Thereupon the transforming work of an entire lifetime was fully provided for. It begins with King Zhao's jiayin year and ends with King Mu's renshen year, serving as the broad outline.