念佛一事，约现生得利益，必须要至诚恳切常念。
[On this] one matter [of] mindfulness [of Amitābha] Buddha, [the] crucial point [for this] present life’s attainment [of] benefits, [is that there] must [be] utmost sincerity [and] earnestness, [with] frequent recitation [of his name: ‘Āmítuófó’].
若种善根，虽戏顽而念一句，亦于后世定有因此善根而发起修持者。
If [only for] planting good roots, although [in] jest [and] play then reciting [the] one line [of his name, this] likewise in [a] later life, [will] definitely, due [to] these good roots [planted], then give rise [to] those [who] cultivate upholding [of it, thus leading to Pure Land and Buddhahood].
故古人大建塔庙，欲一切人见之而种善根。
Thus, ancient ones, [when] building great pagodas [and] temples, desire all people [to] see it and plant good roots [by writing his name prominently on big walls and signboards].
此一句佛，在八识田中永久不灭。…
This one line [of the] Buddha’s name, in [the] eighth consciousness’ field within, [is] everlasting [and will] never [be] destroyed…
是知肯念佛固好，不肯念，为彼说，彼听得佛号，亦种善根。
[It should] be known [that being] willing [to be] mindful [of] Buddha [is] indeed good, [but for those] not willing [to] recite, for them speaking [of it instead, to let] them attain hearing [of the] Buddha’s name, [this] likewise plants good roots.
听久亦有大功德。
[Having] listened [to it for] long, likewise has great meritorious virtues.
净土宗十三祖印光大师
Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng
(复张觉明女居士书九)
(Ninth reply latter to laywoman Zhāng Juémíng)
Namo Amituofo : Translation by Shen Shi’an
