The Buddha-to-be asking his charioteer about the four sights
of ageing, sickness, death and renunciation for practice towards liberation
[1]
必死偈
死即必然，
除活往生。
莫惊已死，
今诚念佛。
Verse On Inevitability Of Death
Death is inevitable,
unless departing for Pure Land alive.
Do not be surprised if already deceased –
sincerely practise mindfulness of Buddha now.
[2]
必病偈
病即必然，
除康往生。
莫惊绝症，
今诚念佛。
Verse On Inevitability Of Sickness
Sickness is inevitable,
unless departing for Pure Land healthy.
Do not be surprised if terminally ill –
sincerely practise mindfulness of Buddha now.
[3]
必老偈
老即必然，
除少往生。
莫惊老弱，
今诚念佛。
Verse On Inevitability Of Ageing
Ageing is inevitable,
unless departing for Pure Land younger.
Do not be surprised if older and weaker –
sincerely practise mindfulness of Buddha now.
[4]
随时偈
死可随时，
除今往生。
莫惊少死，
今诚念佛。
Verse On Any Time
Dying might occur at any time,
unless departing for Pure Land now.
Do not be surprised if dying younger –
sincerely practise mindfulness of Buddha now.
[5]
痊愈偈
虽诚可愈，
净土痊常。
莫惊不痊，
今诚念佛。
Verse On Complete Healing
Although possible to heal with sincere practice,
complete and lasting well-being is in Pure Land.
Do not be surprised if not fully healed now –
sincerely practise mindfulness of Buddha now.
[6]
尽勤偈
虽今勤念，
亦当尽责。
莫惊未往，
今诚念佛。
Verse On Utmost Diligence
Although practising diligently now,
you also should fulfil your responsibilities.
Do not be surprised if not in Pure Land yet –
sincerely practise mindfulness of Buddha now.
南无阿弥陀佛
Namo Amituofo
