This chapter introduces an integral part of the next [chapter], concerning the life-span [of the Thus Come One], and is designed to demonstrate that the effect of the three becomes that of the One. Earlier there was an introduction regarding the cause; in accord with that speech, flowers [rained down] and the earth trembled (Chapter 1). This chapter introduces the effect; in accord with this speech, a great number of bodhisattvas well up out of the earth. Here Maitreya harbors doubts, as he did before. It [the chapter] also manifests the ever-abiding meaning.

“No, good men! I do not want you to protect or keep this sūtra

The reason for saying stop is to initiate the entrance of the bodhisattvas [equal in number to the sands of] sixty thousand Ganges

because there are Bodhisattva-mahāsattvas sixty thousand times as many as the sands of the River Ganges in this Sahā-World.

The teaching of the Sage has its rise and fall; its deep purport is not fathomable. However, as it has widely prevailed throughout times earlier and later, the meaning can be grasped. In the preceding [the Buddha] urged them to protect the Dharma, but now he says “[there is] no need.” [Why the discrepancy?] They are both [valid statements] each with its own purpose. The Dharma by which living beings emerge from delusion and are led to Buddhahood and nirvāṇa is designed to extinguish itself completely; they [beings] must volunteer to protect it. Hence, the words of exhortation, so that they may strengthen their will [to protect it]. However, living beings all are endowed with [the faculty of] great enlightenment; all are without exception potential bodhisattvas. [In this respect] there is no time when it [the sūtra] is not protected. Then why does he have to rely on bodhisattvas from other regions [for protection]? Reliance on [bodhisattvas from] other regions makes it appear that the li of the transformative teaching is insufficient. Thus, [the Buddha] shows the rising-up [of the bodhisattva mahāsattvas] in order to express this idea. Six [of sixty thousand or six ten-thousands (wan)] refers to the six states of existence (gati). The sands of the Ganges Rivers mean “a lot.” The earth refers to the bonds and the instigators of depravites. And the living being’s endowment for enlightenment lies under these instigators of depravities. [They all had been] under [this Sahā world-sphere], in an open space indicates that [beings] are in void-li [or li of emptiness (śūnyatā), the state of li devoid of instigators].