The Fahua xuanyi shiqian by Zhanran (711-782) is considered to be the first and most important commentary on the Fahua xuanyi which was lectured by Zhiyi (538-597) and compiled by Guanding (561-632). Basically, the study of the Shiqian so far, as well as the other works by Zhanran, has mostly relied on the Todai tendaigaku josetsu (An introduction to the Tendai teachings in the Tang: A study on the works by Tannen, 1966) by Hibi Sensho, who explained how Zhanran had lectured and compiled a commentary on the Fahua xuanyi from the Tianbao era (742-756) to the second year of Guangde era (764). Although the outline of Hibi's supposition can be accepted, his argument contains a serious historical error which had a direct effect on his construction process of the Shiqian. This article attempts to indicate that historical error and then to reconsider the construction process of the text during the period 758-764.
