礼诵持念，种种修持，皆当以诚敬为主。
Prostration [to Buddha], recitation [of sūtras], upholding [of mantras], mindfulness [of Buddha’s name, and] many [other] kinds [of] practices, all should [be] with sincere reverence as [the] main [attitude].
诚敬若极，经中所说功德，纵在凡夫地，不能圆得。
Sincere reverence if utmost, as sūtras within say, [of its] meritorious virtues, even though on ordinary beings’ ground, [are] not able [to] completely attain [them yet].
而其所得，亦已难思难议。
Yet, that as attained, [is] likewise already difficult [to] believe, [and] difficult [to] discuss.
若无诚敬，则与唱戏相同。
If without sincere reverence, thus [is it] with singing opera [the] same.
其苦乐悲欢，皆属假妆，不由中出。
That suffering, joy, sadness [and] happiness, all belong [to] pretension, not [truly] from within expressed.
纵有功德，亦不过人天痴福而已。
Although having [some] meritorious virtues, [they] also [do] not surpass human [or] heavenly ignorant blessings, [with] nothing more.
而此痴福，必倚之以造恶业。
And these ignorant blessings, will [be] relied upon, for creating evil karma.
其将来之苦，何有了期。
Of that suffering [in the] future, when [will there] be [its] ending day?
净土宗十三祖印光大师
Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng
(复高邵麟居士书二)
(Second reply letter to layperson Gāo Shàolín)
Namo Amituofo : Translation by Shen Shi’an
