Kadampa Precepts 6

"At another time, Atisa stated, "This Kaliyuga is not the time to display your ability; it is the time to persevere through hardship. It is not the time to take a high position, but the time to be humble. It is not the time to rely on many attendants, but the time to rely on isolation. Nor is it the time to subdue disciples; it is the time to subdue yourself. It is not the time of merely listening to words, but the time of contemplation upon their meaning. Nor is it the time to go visiting here and there; it is the time to stay alone." 

Buddhism was, by his time, really on the decline and the Muslim invasions were beginning. He and some of the other leading monks were quite well aware that Buddhism was definitely threatened in India, Brahmanism had revived, there, was
a lot of hostility to Buddhism, a lot of opposition. So he is giving advice as to what to do in this sort of emergency situation. 
Atisa is thinking of someone who without adequate preparation, who is thinking
more in terms of enlisting lots of disciples and ordaining a lot of people and having a lot more monks but on a comparatively shaky foundation, perhaps. 
It is definitely a collecting together as opposed to scattering.  Collect your forces in time of danger.
 One can also say a time for concentrating on fundamentals, getting down to basic
issues, strengthening the foundation, strengthening the centre or making sure that the trunk is firmly established or well rooted, not bothering to decorate the branches. It is more like that. No doubt it represents a very important general principle. 
It is definitely a collecting together as opposed to scattering. 
He is very firm, very clear, quite straightforward but there is no harshness, no asperity, no denunciation.There is a very great feeling of warmth and kindliness at the same time.