然人生世间，不可无所作为。
Thus, humans born in [this] world, cannot [be] without that [meaningfully] done [and] accomplished.
但自尽谊尽分，决不于谊分之外，有所觊觎(jìyú)。
Only personally [do that to be done] utmost appropriately [and] utmost [to one’s] part. Definitely not of [what] beyond [the] appropriate [and one’s] part, having that coveted [for].
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] serve [well in] their occupation, for [the] foundation of supporting oneself [and] supporting [one’s] family.
随分随力执持佛号，决志求生。
According [to one’s] part [and] according [to one’s] ability, firmly uphold [the] Buddha’s name, [with] definite [Faith and] Aspiration [to] seek birth [in his Pure Land].
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 [are] able [to do more] extensively, of many kinds [of] good deeds, perhaps contributing funds [for what is good], or speaking [for promoting what is good], 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 being] meritorious virtues.
以此培植福田，作往生之助行。
With this cultivating fields [of] blessings, being rebirth [in Pure Land’s] Supportive Practices, [while mindfulness of Buddha’s name above 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 [according] with [the] current setting sail, even more, [with] oars rowing, [is] your reaching [of the other] shore, not even faster [then]?
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
Letter To A Certain Níngbō Layperson
Namo Amituofo : Translation and notes by Shen Shi’an
