然人生世间，不可无所作为。
Thus, humans born in [this] world, must not [be] without that done [and] accomplished.
但自尽谊尽分，决不于谊分之外，有所觊觎(jìyú)。
Only personally [to the] utmost [do that] appropriate [and to the] utmost [for one’s] part. Definitely not of [what] beyond [the] appropriate [and one’s] part, having that coveted.
士农工商，各务其业，以为养身养家之本。
[Of] scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants [and others], each [should] strive [in] their occupation, with [this] as [the] foundation of supporting [the] body [and] supporting [one’s] family.
随分随力，执持佛号，决志求生西方。
According [to one’s] part [and] according [to one’s] ability, firmly uphold [the] Buddha’s name [i.e. Āmítuófó (阿弥陀佛)], [with] definite [Faith and] Aspiration [to] seek birth [in his] Western [Pure Land Of Ultimate Bliss] [西方极乐世界].
凡有力能及之种种善事，或出资，或出言，为之赞助。
All [who] have [the] ability [should to their] best [do] all kinds of good deeds, perhaps contributing funds, or speaking out, for sponsoring [and] supporting them.
否则发随喜心，亦属功德。
Otherwise, give rise [to the] mind [of] accordingly rejoicing [in others’ good done, which] also belongs [to ‘creating’ of] meritorious virtues.
以此培植福田，作往生之助行。
With this cultivating blessings’ fields, being Supportive Practices of rebirth [in Pure Land, while mindfulness of Buddha’s name is the Main Practice (正行)].
如顺水扬帆，更加橹棹(lǔzhào)，其到岸也，不更快乎！
Like following [the] current setting sail, even more, [with] oars rowing, [is] your arriving [at the other] shore, not even faster?
净土宗十三祖印光大师
Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng
复宁波某居士书
1: Reply Letter [To A] Certain Níngbō Layperson
Namo Amituofo : Translation and notes by Shen Shi’an
