吾人心性，
与佛同俦。
只因迷背，
轮回不休。
Our mind-nature [is] with [the] Buddhas’ [the] same [as] companions. Only because [of] confusion [going] against [it, with] rebirth not resting.
如来慈悯，
随机说法。
普令含识，
就路还家。
[The] Thus Come [One with] loving-kindness [and] empathy, according [to spiritual] capacities spoke [the] Dharma. Universally enabling [all] containing consciousnesses, [to] approach paths [to] return home.
法门虽多，
其要唯二。
曰禅与净，
了脱最易。
Dharma Doors although [are] many, their essentials [are] only two. Speaking [of] Chán with Pure Land, [for] liberation [are the] most easy.
禅唯自力，
净兼佛力。
二法相校，
净最契机。
[The] Chán [door is] only [with] Self-power, [while the] Pure Land [door is] simultaneously [with the] Buddha’s power. [With these] two Dharma [Doors] compared [with] each other, [the] Pure Land [door is that] most according [with our spiritual] capacity.
如人度海，
须仗舟船。
速得到岸，
身心坦然。
Like people crossing [the] ocean, [they] must rely [on a] boat. [Being able to] quickly attain arrival [at the] shore, [then with the] body [and] mind calm.
末世众生，
唯此堪行。
否则违机，
劳而难成。
[This Dharma-]Ending Age’s sentient beings, [are] only [with] this adequately capable [for] practice. Otherwise, [if] contrary [with their spiritual] capacity, [there will be] toiling, yet [with] difficulty [for] accomplishment.
发大菩提，
生真信愿。
毕生坚持，
唯佛是念。
Give rise [to the] great Bodhi [Mind (i.e. Bodhicitta)], [and] give rise [to] true Faith [and] Aspiration. [For] all [of this] life firmly upholding, only [with the] Buddha[‘s name] is [there] mindfulness.
念极情忘，
即念无念。
禅教妙义，
彻底显现。
[With] mindfulness utmost [and] passions forgotten, then [is] mindfulness without mindfulness. [The] Chán teaching’s wonderful meaning, [will] thoroughly [be] revealed [to] appear.
待至临终，
蒙佛接引。
直登上品，
证无生忍。
Awaiting until approaching [the] end [of life, to] receive [the] Buddha’s reception [and] guidance. Directly ascending [to a] high grade, [to] realise Non-Birth’s Forbearance.
有一秘诀，
剀切相告。
竭诚尽敬，
妙妙妙妙。
[There] is one secret [for] success [to reach Pure Land, to] earnestly inform one another. [It is to have] wholehearted sincerity [and] utmost reverence, [which is most] wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!
净土宗十三祖印光大师
《与吴璧华书》
Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng
(Letter For Wú Bìhuá)
Namo Amituofo : Translation by Shen Shi’an
