七十古稀，百年能几。
[Now having reached] 70 years old, [of those later reaching a] hundred years, how many [are] able [to do so]?
今此暮景，正宜放开怀抱，看破世间，宛如一场戏剧，何有真实？
Now [with] this evening scene, [this is] just right [for] releasing [my] embrace, [to] see through [the] worldly, [which is] just like a play. How [can it] have [any ultimate] reality?
但以一声阿弥陀佛，消遣光阴，但以西方极乐世界为我家舍。
Only with one recitation [of the name of] Āmítuófó, [I] spend [my] leisurely time available [left], only with [the thought of his] Western [Pure] Land [Of] Ultimate Bliss as my home.
我今念佛，日后当生西方，何幸如之！
[As] I now mindful [of] Buddha, [in] days later, will [be] born [in his] Western [Pure Land], how fortunate [it is to be] of such [ones]!
发大欢喜，莫生烦恼。
[Thus], give rise [to] great rejoice, [and] do not give rise [to] afflictions.
倘遇不如意事，即便拨转心头，这一声佛急急提念。
If encountering matters not according [to your] wishes, immediately then turn around [your] thought, [with] this one recitation [of] Buddha[‘s name], without delay upholding [it with] mindfulness.
却回光返照：「我是阿弥陀佛世界中人，奈何与世人一般见识？」
While returning [with the] light [of mindfulness], internally reflect, ‘[As] I am [to be] among Āmítuófó’s [Pure] Land’s persons, how [can I lower myself to argue] with worldly people, [who have less-informed] ordinary knowledge [and] experience?’
回瞋作喜，一心念佛。
Turn around [from] hatred [and] feel joy, [to] wholeheartedly [be] mindful [of] Buddha [instead].
此是智慧中人，大安乐大解脱法门也。
This is, among [all] humans, [to be those with] wisdom, [with the] Dharma door [of] great peace [and] bliss, [for] great liberation.
净土宗八祖莲池大师
Pure Land Tradition’s 8th Patriarch Great Master Liánchí
《云栖净土汇语》:
与江阴冯筠居居士
(Collection [Of] Yúnqī’s Pure Land Sayings):
For Jiāngyīn’s layperson Féng Yúnjū
Summary: Especially having reached a number of years of age, there should be mindfulness that time in this life is truly running out, with most not able to reach a ripe old age. However, those who are young should be mindful that time is likewise running out for them, with it able to end suddenly at any time. When definitely facing the sunset of life, this is when there should be letting go of worldly attachments, by clearly seeing their impermanent and unsubstantial nature. Just like a theatrical show, not matter how elaborate and dramatic it was with its ups and downs, worldly life in essence is not unlike this fleeting and fictitious show.
Now, there should only be true Practice of mindfulness of the name of Āmítuófó, in all spare time, with profound Faith and sincerely Aspiration to reach his Pure Land, seeing it as our true home; instead of whiling away, wasting limited time left. Bear in mind how wonderful a blessing it is, that with our Practice now, we will later reach Pure Land, with which we should only give rise to great rejoice, and not give rise to the slightest afflictions.
If obstacles are met, instantly transform your thought with mindfulness of Āmítuófó’s name, reflecting that since we are going to his Pure Land, we should no longer be like common worldly ones, who are lacking in understanding, thus conditioning our suffering. With sincere mindfulness of Buddha, we should transform our hatred into joy. To do so is to be with compassion and wisdom, for oneself and others, to experience peace and bliss now, while advancing towards Pure Land for complete liberation.
Namo Amituofo : Translation & summary by Shen Shi’an
