By 佛光大學佛教研修院碩士班

3. Once: It implies the “perfect time.” It refers to the time of Dharma teaching. The era of the Dharma king who launched the excellent assemblies. Consequently, sentient beings who have the affinity can perceive it. The Buddha then appears to interact with them. The time of their interaction of empathy and response is seized. Thus, it is called the perfect time.

4. Buddha: It implies the “perfect lord.” It refers to the king of the Dharma teaching. The Buddha is the lord who teaches the Dharma and transforms and guides the mundane and supra-mundane worlds. Thus, He is called the perfect lord.

5. At one place: It implies “perfect place.” It refers to a location of Dharma preaching. The Buddha ascended the Heaven of the Thirty-three{7} （Trayastrimsa） to teach Dharma to His mother. Besides, He taught Dharma mostly in India, such as in Magadha, Sravasti and so forth. Thus, it is called the perfect place.

6. With the great assembly of people: It implies“perfect assembly.”It refers to beings that listen to the Dharma, such as Bodhisattvas, Sravakas, Pratyekabuddhas, devas, human beings and all other beings; where they congregate in one place and listen to the Dharma. Thus, it is called the perfect assembly.

【Key Word】
{7}Heaven of the Thirty-three：忉利天