居尘学道,即俗修真。
Residing [in this world of] dust [to] learn [the] path, is [to, within the] secular cultivate [the] true.
乃达人名士,及愚夫愚妇,皆所能为。
Indeed, [of] experts, worthy ones, foolish men and foolish women, all [are] able to do that.
勉力修持,以在家种种系累,当作当头棒喝。
Exerting efforts [to] cultivate upholding [of the Buddha’s name], with householders’ many kinds [of] encumbrances [i.e. ties and strains], regarded as, right above the head, [a] strike [and] shout [to awaken].
长时生此厌离之心,庶长时长其欣乐之志。
[Over a] long time, give rise [to] this mind of revulsion, [to] depart [from this Sahā World], so that [over a] long time, [you will also] grow [in] this aspiration of rejoice, [for reaching the Land Of Ultimate Bliss].
即病为药,即塞成通。
Immediately [have] sickness [regarded] as medicine, [and] immediately [will] blockages become unobstructed.
上不失高堂之欢,下不失私室之依。
Above not losing [the] joy of [your] parents, below not losing [the] reliance of [your] wife [or husband].
而且令一切人同因见闻,增长净信。何乐如之。
Furthermore, enabling all people together, due [to the Dharma] seen [and] heard, increase [in] pure faith, of what joy [is] like [this here]?
净土宗十三祖印光大师
Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng
复周群铮居士书五
Fifth Reply Letter To Layperson Zhōu Qúnzhēng
Namo Amituofo : Translation and notes by Shen Shi’an