佛祖統紀 1.75

1.75

The Guanyin biexing xuanji says: 'Regarding the fourfold trace and origin of principle and phenomena, principle and teaching, teaching and practice, and essence and function, they are not unique to the present sūtra; they may be found in various scriptures. But if [we consider] the initial attainment of Buddhahood countless kalpas like dust motes ago as the real origin, and the manifestations of attaining Buddhahood in the interim and today all as provisional traces, this is called the trace and origin of provisional and real. Once the origin section is opened, this body is the origin, while what was taught in the trace section and what was discussed in the various scriptures are all called traces; this is called the trace and origin of present and past. On these two pairs, the various sūtras are completely silent. Therefore it is said that the various teachings do not clarify them, and only the Lotus Sūtra explains them.' The chapter 'Bodhisattvas Emerging from the Earth' states: 'The Buddha told the bodhisattvas: "In the sahā world there are bodhisattvas equal in number to the sands of sixty thousand Ganges Rivers, each of whom has a retinue equal in number to the sands of sixty thousand Ganges Rivers, who will protect, uphold, read, recite, and broadly expound this sūtra after my extinction." At that time, the earth of the sahā world entirely shook and split open, and immeasurable bodhisattvas welled up at the same time. Hearing the Buddha's voice, they came forth from below, and each went to the wondrous tower of seven treasures in the open air, bowing their heads to the feet of the two World-Honoured Ones. At that time, Maitreya and the great assembly, wishing to resolve their doubts, asked the Buddha in verse: "From where have these bodhisattvas of the great assembly come? Under whom did they first produce the aspiration [for awakening]? What Buddha path did they practice? In this assembly, I do not recognise a single person. Having suddenly emerged from the earth, we pray you will explain the cause and condition." The Buddha told Maitreya: "These bodhisattvas were taught, guided, and caused to produce the resolve for the Way by me after I attained bodhi."' (Briefly uncovering the near to reveal the remote, stirring attachment and giving rise to doubt.) At that time, Maitreya and others gave rise to doubt and confusion in their minds, and addressed the Buddha, saying: 'The Tathāgata attained anuttarā bodhi just over forty years ago. How could you perform such great Buddha-deeds in so short a time?' (First doubting that the attainment of the Way was recent while those transformed are many; this is clinging to the near to doubt the remote.) 'Even if someone were to count this assembly of bodhisattvas for thousands of myriads of koṭis of kalpas, they could not finish. These [beings] have constantly cultivated pure conduct for an exceedingly long time.' (Next doubting that the transformed multitude are numerous and their practice and stages are deep and wondrous; this is clinging to the remote to doubt the near.)