喻如一人，小有才，亦小有修持，心中便觉得我很高明，很有修持。
[As an] analogy, a person, with [a] little talent, also has [a] little cultivation, [but with the] mind within then, feels [that], ‘I am very brilliant, [and] have much cultivation.’
因此贡高我慢之心，招起宿世曾受怨害之怨家对头，为其现身，入其心窍。
Due [to] this mind of arrogance [and] conceit, [it] beckons [the] rise [and approach of] past lives’ enemies [i.e. karmic creditors], [who] once received resentful harm, for this [person] manifesting forms, [and/or] entering their minds [to disturb and distract them].
弄得才不成才，修不成修。
[This] makes [their] talent not accomplished [as true] talent, [and] cultivation not accomplished [as true] cultivation.
使此人谦恭孝顺，由此修持之力，当能消灭夙业，增长善根。
If these persons [are instead] humble, respectful [and] filial, due [to] this power of cultivation, [they] will [be] able [to] eradicate past [negative] karma, [and] grow good roots.
将来临终，往生西方，得超凡入圣之真利益。
In future, [when] approaching [the] end [of life, with] rebirth [in the] Western [Pure Land, they will] attain true benefits [from] transcendence [of the] ordinary [and] entering [of the] sagely.
较彼以贡高自误，其利害何止天渊悬殊。
Comparing with that [person] with arrogance’s personal mistake, their benefits [and] harms [are] further apart [than the] wide gap [between the] sky [and a deep] abyss.
此事汝固知，故以此为汝前途之鉴。
[As] this matter you [should] definitely know, thus with this [written], for reflection of [your] future.
净土宗十三祖印光大师
Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng
复周法利居士书三
Third Reply Letter To Layperson Zhōu Fǎlì
Namo Amituofo : Translation by Shen Shi’an
