The term "At One Time"

At the beginning of many sutras, it is mentioned that "at one time" the Buddha was in a certain place, teaching the Dharma to a certain number of attendees. Why is it that all scriptures only use "at one time"? Why didn’t the Buddha specify the exact time, such as "this time," "that time," or a specific month and hour? Ancient India did not rely on written records, and they did not record history in the way we understand it. Much of Indian history has been reconstructed from sources like the Great Tang Records on the Western Regions. At that time, India consisted of many small states, such as Southern, Central, and Western India, each of which had its own method of keeping time. Furthermore, the Buddha preached in different realms, sometimes in the human realm, sometimes in the heavenly realm, making it impossible to standardise a specific time reference.

"At One Time" as Explained by the Ming Dynasty Master Ouyi
Master Ouyi, a high-ranking monk from the Ming dynasty, explained that "time has no inherent reality." He stated, "It is only due to the alignment of teacher and students, when their Dharma connection culminates in a single assembly, and the teaching and listening reach completion, that it is called 'at one time.'" The "teacher" refers to the Buddha, and the "students" are the disciples. When the teacher and students are on the same level of understanding, this is "at one time." For instance, when a disciple asks a question that aligns with the teachings the Buddha intends to share, and the Buddha answers in a manner that meets the disciple's needs, this mutual alignment constitutes "at one time."

Thus, "at one time" signifies the harmony between the speaker of the Dharma and the listeners. When the Buddha preached, his disciples listened attentively, practised accordingly, and sought clarification when needed. The Buddha resolved their doubts, enabling them to attain clarity and enlightenment. When the teachings were fully delivered and understood, that moment was deemed "at one time."

Beyond Time and Space
From the ultimate perspective of Buddhism, which transcends time and space, time itself is a false construct. It is merely a concept arising from delusional distinctions. If one were to specify an exact year, month, or hour, it would not be universally accurate, as time is relative. What is "this moment" in one realm may be "another moment" in a different realm. Therefore, no specific time can fully encapsulate reality. Only "at one time" can encompass all times.

As the saying goes, "Prolonged and brief exist simultaneously; three kalpas and one thought are equal."

In Mahayana teachings, it is often said that one thought can extend into three great kalpas, and three great kalpas can be condensed into a single thought. In Buddhism, time and space are relative constructs. Everything exists in the present moment—time and space are in the here and now. Hence, whether one is deluded or enlightened depends on the present moment. A single deluded thought makes one an ordinary being, while a single awakened thought makes one a Buddha or Bodhisattva.

Thus, the phrase "at one time" in the sutras is truthful. Specifying a particular year, month, or day, on the other hand, would not reflect the ultimate truth.

"At One Time" Encompasses All Times
When the Buddha delivered a sermon, it was "at one time." When Ānanda compiled and recited the scriptures, it was also "at one time." The process of translating these scriptures from India to China and their transmission from ancient times to the present is likewise "at one time." Even as we read and study the sutras now, this too is "at one time."

The phrase "at one time" transcends distinctions between "this time" and "that time." In the Dharma, there is no division between times—all exist within "one time." Every moment is part of "one time," and this one time is ever-present. The entire Dharma realm exists within "one time."

As we study the scriptures, from "Thus have I heard" to "paid homage and departed," we should seek understanding within our own mind and nature. Every teaching and every character in the sutras serves to guide us inward. No matter the time, all are within "one time." Recognising this truth leads to boundless realisations, encompassing both the vast and the minute. By comprehending the profound Dharma of "one time," we can truly grasp the essence of the Buddha's teachings.