Thereupon Many-Treasures Buddha in the stūpa of treasures offered a half of his seat to Śākyamuni Buddha, saying, “Śākyamuni Buddha, sit here!”

The purpose of presenting the dividing of the seat, in order to share [it with the Buddha], is to suggest that extinction [from the world] does not necessarily mean extinction and existence does not necessarily mean existence. The difference between existence and extinction originates in the various grades [of the capacities of beings]. How can the Sage be subject to them? Also by showing that [the Buddha will enter) nirvana not long hence, [the Buddha] makes them anxious to prepare for [receiving) the Dharma.