《人生之最后》
([For The] Last [Day] Of [This] Human Life)
弘一大师著
By Great Master Hóngyī
岁次壬申十二月，厦门妙释寺念佛会请余讲演，录写此稿。
[In the] ninth year [of the sixty-year cycle’s] twelfth [lunar] month [i.e. January of 1933 C.E.], Xiàmén’s Miàoshì Monastery’s Buddha Recitation Assembly invited me [to] lecture [on this, now as] recorded, [with the] writing [of] this manuscript.
于时了识律师卧病不起，日夜愁苦。见此讲稿，悲欣交集，遂放下身心，屏弃医药，努力念佛。并扶病起，礼《大悲忏》，吭声唱诵，长跽经时，勇猛精进，超胜常人。见者闻者，靡不为之惊喜赞叹，谓感动之力有如是剧且大耶。
At that time, Vinaya Master Liǎoshí [was] bedridden, not [able to] rise, [in] day [and] night [with] anxiety suffering. Seeing this lecture’s manuscript, [with] sorrow [and] joy mixed together, [he] thereupon let go [of his] body [and] mind, rejected medicine, [and] strived hard [to] recite [the] Buddha[‘s name]. Furthermore, assisted [with his] sickness [to] rise, [he] prostrated [with the] ‘Great Compassion Repentance’, uttering [its] words [when] reciting, long kneeling throughout [this] period, [with] bold [and] powerful diligence, [that] transcended [and] surpassed ordinary persons. Those [who] saw [and] those [who] heard [him, were with] none not by him pleasantly surprised, highly praising [him], saying [they were] moved [by] his efforts [which] had such intensity, [that was] moreover great.
余因念此稿虽仅数纸，而皆撮录古今嘉言及自所经验，乐简略者或有所取。及为治定，付刊流布焉。弘一演音记。
I, because mindful [that] this manuscript, although [is] only [with a] few [sheets of] paper, yet [they] all gather [and] record ancient [and] modern excellent words, and that [from] personal experiences. Those [who] delight [in the] brief [will] perhaps have that [to be] obtained. And for rewording [and] altering definitively, [I am] handing this over [for] publication [and] propagation. [By] Hóngyī Yǎnyīn recorded.
[Note 1: This was first published in Chinese in 1935 C.E.]
第一章: 绪言
The First Section: Introductory Words
古诗云：「
[An] ancient poem says,
我见他人死，
我心热如火，
不是热他人，
看看轮到我。」
‘I, [when] seeing other people die, my mind [becomes] hot like fire, not hot [because of] other people, [but] seeing [that] pretty soon, [it will] become my turn.’
人生最后一段大事，岂可须臾忘耶！
[Of this] human life’s last day’s one great matter, how can [it be for] a moment forgotten?
令为讲述，次分六章，如下所列。
[To] enable, for narrating [on it], next dividing [into] six sections, [they are] as below, [with] those listed.
第二章：病重时
The Second Section: When Seriously Sick
当病重时，应将一切家事及自己身体悉皆放下。专意念佛，一心希冀往生西方。能如是者，如寿已尽，决定往生。
When seriously sick, [all] should have all family matters and one’s body all let go [of]. Focus [the] mind [on] recitation [of the] Buddha[‘s name] [i.e. Āmítuófó: 阿弥陀佛], wholeheartedly hoping [to be] reborn [in his] Western [Pure Land. Of] those able [to do] thus, if [their] lifespans [are] already ending, [they will] definitely [be] reborn [there].
[Note 2: Mindfulness of the Buddha (念佛) via verbal or silent recitation of his name is Practice (行), the third of the Three Provisions (三资粮), which expresses wholehearted hope to be reborn in his Pure Land, which is to have Faith (信) and Aspiration (愿) together, as the first and second of the Three Provisions respectively.]
如寿未尽，虽求往生而病反能速愈，因心至专诚，故能灭除宿世恶业也。
If [their] lifespans [are] yet [to] end, although seeking rebirth [there], yet [having] sickness instead able [to be] quickly healed, because [of their] minds [being] utmost focused [with] sincerity, thus able [to] eradicate past lives’ evil karma.
[Note 3: Some of past lives’ evil karma, along with this present life’s evil karma, can ripen at this present life’s end too. Thus, one seriously sick should not lament of not having done evil (in this present life) to deserve one’s suffering, but be repentant with sincere recitation of the Buddha’s name instead.]
傥不如是放下一切专意念佛者，如寿已尽，决定不能往生，因自己专求病愈不求往生，无由往生故。
If not those thus letting go [of] all [matters to] focus [their] minds [on] recitation [of the] Buddha[‘s name], if [their] lifespans [are] already ending, [they] definitely [will] not [be] able [to be] reborn [there], because [of] oneself focusing [on] seeking sickness [to be] healed, not seeking rebirth [there, they are] not able [to be] reborn [there] thus.
如寿未尽，因其一心希望病愈，妄生忧怖，不惟不能速愈，反更增加病苦耳。
If [their] lifespans [are] yet [to] end, because [of] that wholehearted hoping [for] sickness [to be] healed, [with] deluded giving [rise of] worries [and] fear, [they will] not only not [be] able [to] quickly heal, instead [with] even more increase [of] suffering [from] sickness.
[Note 4: Natural declining of health, along with needless worries and fear can aggravate physical and mental suffering.]
病未重时，亦可服药，但仍须精进念佛，勿作服药愈病之想。病既重时，可以不服药也。
When sick [but] yet [to be] serious, [they] also can accept medicine, but [they] still must diligently recite [the] Buddha[‘s name, and] not have [the] thought of accepting medicine [for] healing [the] sickness. When sick, since [it is] serious, [they] can not accept medicine.
余昔卧病石室，有劝延医服药者，说偈谢云：「
[With] remaining [days and] nights bedridden [in a] stone room, [to] those [who] have encouragement [of] continuing [with] healing [and] accepting [of] medicine, say [these] verses [to] thank [and decline them],
[Note 5: The stone room refers to any stable and protected room, for privacy and facilitating peace of mind.]
阿弥陀佛，
无上医王，
舍此不求，
是谓痴狂。
‘[As] Āmítuófó [i.e. Amitā(bha) Buddha], [is the] Unsurpassable [Great] Healing King, [with the] forsaking [of] this, not seeking [him], is called deluded madness.
一句弥陀，
阿伽陀药，
舍此不服，
是谓大错。」
[The] one line [of] Āmítuófó[‘s name, is] Agada Medicine [that heals all], [with the] forsaking [of] this, not accepting [it], is called [a] great mistake.’
[Note 6: Although healing is possible here, it is ultimately limited, with complete and lasting healing being in Pure Land. (注：虽然可能在此得疗愈，但终究有限，而圆满长久之疗愈在净土。)]
若病重时，痛苦甚剧者，切勿惊惶。
If when seriously sick, those [with] pain [and] suffering extremely severe, must not [have] fear [and] panic.
[Note 7: All negative emotions arising should be seen as reminders to have even more sincere recitation of the Buddha’s name, transforming pointless distress to diligent Practice. It is with good Practice, that connects to the Buddha’s blessings, that all negative emotions are transformed to be peace and bliss too.]
因此病苦，乃宿世业障。
Because this suffering [from] sickness, [is] only past lives’ karmic obstacles.
[Note 8: No matter how many karmic obstacles there are from evil karma, they will not be more powerful than the pure karma created with mindfulness of Buddha, that can easily dissolve them.]
或亦是转未来三途恶道之苦，于今生轻受，以速了偿也。
Perhaps, [this] also is transformation [of] future suffering of [the] three realms’ evil paths, [to] in [this] present life [be] lighter received, with [this karmic debit] quickly [and] completely repaid.
[Note 9: Upon reaching Pure Land, there will be no more future suffering at all. Thus, even if going through some suffering presently before reaching it, this is still worth it.]
自己所有衣服诸物，宜于病重之时，即施他人。
All [of] one’s clothes [and] all [other] objects, should [be], when with serious sickness, [be] immediately given [to] other people.
[Note 10: Once there is confirmation of being in one’s last days, it is alright to begin giving possessions away, to create rejoice and even more good karma, which can eradicate evil karma. This can be assisted by others. If it is troublesome to handle these before death, this should be done quickly after death.]
若依《地藏菩萨本愿经》，《如来赞叹品》所言供养经像等，则弥善矣。
If relying [on the] Sūtra [Of] Earth Treasury Bodhisattva’s Fundamental Vows’ Chapter [On The] Thus Come [One’s] Praises, that spoke [of] offering sūtras, images [and] others, [this] then [is doing] extensive good.
[Note 11: Dedicating meritorious virtues from recitation of the Buddha’s name to all beings is also doing of great good, in the easiest way possible, as the Buddha’s name is the ‘Great Name Of Ten Thousand Virtues’ (万德洪名).]
若病重时，神识犹清，应请善知识为之说法，尽力安慰。
If when seriously sick, [with the] consciousness still clear, [there] should [be] inviting [of] good-knowing [friends], for them speaking [the] Dharma, [to] do their best [to] console [them].
[Note 12: The direct and best consolation is to encourage with sincere guidance (开示) and support-chanting (助念).]
举病者今生所修善业，一一详言而赞叹之，令病者心生欢喜，无有疑虑。
[For] those sick, [in this] present life, [of] all [their] cultivated good karma, raise each [and every] one, detailedly speak and highly praise them, [to] enable [the] minds [of] those sick [to] give [rise to] joy, without having doubts [and] worries.
[Note 13: This should be done quickly, without taking too much time, so as to spend more time offering guidance and support-chanting.]
自知命终之后，承斯善业，决定生西。
[With] oneself knowing [that] after life ends, bearing this good karma, [one will] definitely [be] born [in the] Western [Pure Land].
[Note 14: Knowing there is more good karma created can offer more peace of mind and confidence of reaching Pure Land. While good karma can aid smoother reach of Pure Land with a higher grade of birth, what essential for reaching Pure Land are the Three Provisions. This is so even if there was not much good karma created in this present life.]
第三章: 临终时
[The] Third Section: When Approaching [Life’s] End
临终之际，切勿询问遗嘱，亦勿闲谈杂话。恐彼牵动爱情，贪恋世间，有碍往生耳。若欲留遗嘱者，应于康健时书写，付人保藏。
[At the] time of approaching [life’s] end, [there] must not [be] enquiries [on] wills, also not [having] chatting [and] mixed talking. [This is] fearing that [they might] lead [to] love [and] affection, [with] greedy attachment [to the] world, [thus] having obstacles [for] rebirth [in Pure Land]. Those if desiring [to] leave wills, should when healthy write [them, and] hand [them] over [to] people [for] protected storage.
傥自言欲沐浴更衣者，则可顺其所欲而试为之。若言不欲，或噤口不能言者，皆不须强为。
If [there are] those personally saying [they] desire [to] bathe [and] change clothes, then can [there be] following [of] their desire, and trying [to] do that. If [there are] those saying [they are] not desired, or [those] not able [to] speak, all need not forcibly do [so].
因常人命终之前，身体不免痛苦。傥强为移动沐浴更衣，则痛苦将更加剧。
Because ordinary persons, before [their] lives end, [their] bodies unavoidably [have] pain [and] suffering. If forcibly doing moving [and] touching, bathing [and] changing [of] clothes, then [will] pain [and] suffering going [to be] even more severe.
世有发愿生西之人，临终为眷属等移动扰乱，破坏其正念，遂致不能往生者，甚多甚多。
[The] world has people who gave rise [to the] Aspiration [to be] born [in the] Western [Pure Land, when] approaching [life’s] end, because of family members [and] others moving, touching [and] disturbing [them], destroying their Right Mindfulness. Those thereupon caused [to] not [be] able [to be] reborn [there, are] extremely many, extremely many.
又有临终可生善道，乃为他人误触，遂起嗔心，而牵入恶道者，如经所载阿耆达王死堕蛇身，岂不可畏？
Also having [those when] approaching [life’s] end, [who] can [be] born [in] good paths, thus because of other people mistakenly touching [them], thereupon giving rise [to the] angry mind, then led [to] enter evil paths, like that [a] sūtra recorded, [of] King Agnidatta dying [and] falling [to be with a] snake’s body, how can [this] not [be] feared?
临终时，或坐或卧，皆随其意，未宜勉强。若自觉气力衰弱者，尽可卧床，勿求好看勉力坐起。
When approaching [life’s] end, perhaps sitting or lying [down], all [should] follow their wishes, [as it is] not suitable [to] force [them] to do [otherwise]. If [there are] those personally aware [that their] energy [is] weak, all can lie [on the] bed, not seeking [to, for] looking good, exerting energy [to] sit up.
卧时，本应面西右胁侧卧。若因身体痛苦，改为仰卧，或面东左胁侧卧者，亦任其自然，不可强制。
When lying [down, they] originally should [be] facing [the] West, [on their] right sides lying. If because [of the] body’s pain [and] suffering, changing into supine lying, perhaps [with] those facing East [on their] left sides lying, also let them [do so] naturally, [as changing this] cannot [be] forced.
大众助念佛时，应请阿弥陀佛接引像，供于病人卧室，令彼瞩视。
[The] great assembly when [with] support-chanting [of the] Buddha’s name, should request [an] Āmítuófó’s image [of him] receiving [and] guiding, offering [it] in [the] sick person’s bedroom, [to] enable it [to be] seen [and] gazed [upon].
助念之人，多少不拘。人多者，宜轮班念，相续不断。
Of people support-chanting, [whether they are] more [or] less, [there are] no restrictions. Those [with] many people, should [take] shifts [to] recite, [in] continuous succession without interruption.
或念六字，或念四字，或快或慢，皆须预问病人，随其平日习惯及好乐者念之，病人乃能相随默念。
Perhaps reciting six words [i.e. ‘Námó Āmítuófó’: 南无阿弥陀佛], or reciting four words [i.e. ‘Āmítuófó’: 阿弥陀佛], perhaps fast or slow, all must in advance [be with] asking [of the] sick persons, following their ordinary days’ habits, and [with] that [they have] fondness [and] delight [of]. Reciting that, [the] sick persons [are] then able [to] follow one another, [with] silent [or verbal] recitation.
[Note 15: If there is particular preference of the six-worded version, we should follow it. However, when nearing death while the patient is out of breath and weary, we might have to propose using the four-worded version, especially if the patient clearly cannot be mindful of more words easily.]
今见助念者皆随己意，不问病人，既已违其平日习惯及好乐，何能相随默念？
Nowadays, seeing those support-chanting all following [their] own wishes, not asking [the] sick persons. Since already apart from their ordinary days’ habits, and [with that they have] fondness [and] delight [of], how [are they] able [to] follow one another [with] silent recitation?
余愿自今以后，凡任助念者，于此一事切宜留意。
I hope [that] from now onwards, all those undertaking support-chanting, [know that they] must [and] should [be] mindful of this one matter.
又寻常助念者，皆用引磬小木鱼。以余经验言之，神经衰弱者，病时甚畏引磬及小木鱼声，因其声尖锐，刺激神经，反令心神不宁。
Also common [for] those [doing] support-chanting, all use [a] guiding bell [or] small wooden fish. With my experience speaking of [this], those [with] nervous breakdowns, when sick, [are] extremely fearful [of the] sounds [of the] guiding bell [and] small wooden fish, because their sounds [are] sharp, [which] stimulate [their] nerves, causing [their] state [of] mind [to be] not [at] peace instead.
若依余意，应免除引磬小木鱼，仅用音声助念，最为妥当。
If relying [on] my thought, [there] should [be] avoiding [of using a] guiding bell [and] small wooden fish, only using [the] voice’s sound [for] support-chanting, as [the] most appropriate.
或改为大钟大磬大木鱼，其声宏壮，闻者能起肃敬之念，实胜于引磬小木鱼也。
Perhaps changing into [a] big bell, big [guiding] bell [or] big wooden fish, [as] their sounds [are] great [and] robust. [As] those listening [will be] able [to give] rise [to the] thought of respect, [this] truly surpass [that] of [using a] guiding bell [and] small wooden fish.
但人之所好，各有不同。此事必须预先向病人详细问明，随其所好而试行之。或有未宜，尽可随时改变，万勿固执。
However, of that fond [of], each person has [that] not [the] same. This matter must [be], in advance, towards [the] sick persons, [be with] detailed [and] clear asking, following that they [are] fond [of], then trying [to] practise it. Perhaps [if] having [that] yet [to be] suitable, all can at any time change [it. There] absolutely [must] not [be] stubbornness.
[Note 16: Great Master Hóngyī’s teacher, who is Great Master Yìnguāng (印光大师), taught that among all Dharma instruments, if any is to be used, only the guiding bell should be used, as its sound is clear, enabling the mind-ground to become clear and pure. As the wooden fish’s sound is low and heavy, it is not suitable. (The bigger the wooden fish is, the lower and heavier is its sound too.) To ‘reconcile’ the perspectives, perhaps for those uneasy with the guiding bell’s sound, it can be struck softer, so that it will not sound too sharp.]
第四章：命终后一日
[The] Fourth Section: One Day After Life’s End
既已命终，最切要者，不可急忙移动。虽身染便秽，亦勿即为洗涤。必须经过八小时后，乃能浴身更衣。常人皆不注意此事，而最要紧。惟望广劝同人，依此谨慎行之。
Since already [at] life’s end, that most important [and] essential, [is that there] must not [be] hasty moving [and] touching. Although [the] body [is] stained, [with] stools defiled, [it] also [must] not immediately be washed. [There] must [be] passing [of] eight hours later, then able [to] ‘bathe’ [the] body [and] change [the] clothes. Ordinary persons all [do] not pay attention [to] these matters, yet [they are the] most important. [I] only hope [to] widely encourage fellow [practitioners, to] rely [on] this, [to] cautiously [and] prudently practise this.
[Note 17: Although eight hours of support-chanting is nowadays popular as a target duration, Great Master Yìnguāng also taught that the body can only be touched or moved after at least three hours of support-chanting, after the end of breathing. Depending on the circumstances, such as local law on when to report death, support-chanting should be practised for as long as possible. In some busy hospitals, being permitted to have support-chanting for three hours after death is already considered remarkable. If departure is at home, there can be longer support-chanting.]
命终前后，家人万不可哭。哭有何益，能尽力帮助念佛乃于亡者有实益耳。若必欲哭者，须俟命终八小时后。
Before [and] after life ends, family members absolutely must not cry. Crying has what benefits? [It is being] able [to] do one’s best [to] help [in] support-chanting then for [the] deceased, [that] has true benefits only. If [there are] those desiring [to] cry, [there] must [be] waiting [until] life ends, eight hours later.
[Note 18: Those who find it too hard to refrain from crying can do so out of sight and hearing of the (dying and) deceased. Those who find it too hard to refrain from crying during support-chanting should quickly and discreetly exit the room too, and return to continue support-chanting only after calming down.]
顶门温暖之说，虽有所据，然亦不可固执。但能平日信愿真切，临终正念分明者，即可证其往生。
Speaking of [the] crown door’s warmth, although [this] has basis, [this] however also cannot [be] stubbornly [attached to]. However, those able [to, in] ordinary days [have] Faith [and] Aspiration true [and] sincere, [when] approaching [life’s] end [with this] Right Mindfulness distinct [and] clear, immediately can [be] confirmed [to be with] rebirth [in Pure Land].
[Note 19: Although with the crown as the last part of the body being warm does mean there is reaching of Pure Land, due to various situations, this might not be easy to check. For example, if the body had to be refrigerated in a hospital’s mortuary overnight after autopsy, before retrieval of the body. The warmth might have already dissipated by then. As another example, there might be forgetting to check the crown before encoffining. There should also not be frequent checking of the crown after death, as this is touching of the body.]
命终之后，念佛已毕，即锁房门。深防他人入内，误触亡者。必须经过八小时后，乃能浴身更衣。（前文已言，今再谆嘱，切记切记。）因八小时内若移动者，亡人虽不能言，亦觉痛苦。
After life ends, [with] recitation [of the] Buddha[‘s name] already completed, immediately lock [the] room’s door. [This is to] further prevent those other people [from] entering within, [who might] mistakenly touch [the] deceased. [There] must [be] passing [of] eight hours, then able [to] ‘bathe’ [the] body [and] change [the] clothes. ([As in] previous text already said, now again earnestly exhorting, [this] must [be] remembered, must [be] remembered.) Because those within eight hours, if moved [and] touched, [the] deceased persons, although not able [to] speak, [will] also feel pain [and] suffering.
[Note 20: The eight hours with support-chanting is to offer hopefully ample time for the consciousnesses to depart from their bodies to reach Pure Land. Bearing in mind that cleaning involves much touching and moving, the bathing is not with pouring of water, but gentle wiping, like sponge bathing. The touching and moving will be felt by the deceased, if their consciousnesses are still within their bodies, with sensitivity (of pain and discomfort) magnified by nine times. For considerations on whether there is need to clean and change the deceased, see https://purelanders.com/2021/11/29/changing-and-cleaning-the-deceased.]
八小时后著衣，若手足关节硬，不能转动者，应以热水淋洗。用布搅热水，围于臂肘膝弯。不久即可活动，有如生人。
Eight hours later, [when] changing clothes, if [there are] those [with] hands’ [and] legs’ joints [that have] hardened, not able [to] turn [and] move, [there] should [be] with warm water, rinsed [for] cleaning. Using cloth mixed [with] warm water, wrapped [on the] arms’ elbows [and the] knees’ bends. Not long [later, they] then can [be] moved, like [those of] living persons.
[Note 21: The water should not be too hot, with wiping and wrapping gentle, for if too hot and harsh, this can hurt the deceased, if the consciousnesses are still within their bodies.]
殓衣宜用旧物，不用新者。其新衣应布施他人，能令亡者获福。
Clothes [for the body in the] coffin should use old ones, not using those new. Those new clothes should [be] given [to] other people, [as this is] able [to] cause those deceased [to] obtain blessings.
[Note 22: Their old clothes and other belongings can be given to those in need too.]
不宜用好棺木，亦不宜做大坟。此等奢侈事，皆不利于亡人。
[It is] not suitable [to] use good coffins, also not suitable [to] make big graves. These [and] other extravagant matters, all [do] not benefit [the] deceased persons.
[Note 23: Such wasteful extravagance can even create extended attachment of the deceased, to ‘their’ coffins, graves or urns, thus not being wholehearted in mindfulness of Buddha for seeking birth in Pure Land. This also wastes their good karma, upon unneeded items, with expenditures that can instead, be used for making charitable donations in their names, to create more good karma and meritorious virtues, for facilitating better rebirths, ideally for higher grades of birth in Pure Land.]
第五章：荐亡等事
[The] Fifth Section: Deliverance [Of The] Deceased [And] Other Matters
七七日内，欲延僧众荐亡，以念佛为主。若诵经拜忏焰口水陆等事，虽有不可思议功德，然现今僧众视为具文，敷衍了事，不能如法，罕有实益。《印光法师文钞》中屡斥诫之，谓其惟属场面，徒作虚套。
Within seven [of] seven days [i.e. 49 days], [if] desiring [to] extend [with] monastic assemblies’ deliverance [of the] deceased, [it should be] with recitation [of the] Buddha[‘s name] as [the] main [Practice]. If [with] reciting [of] sūtras, repentance prayers, [releasing of] flaming mouths [放焰口] [for offering food to hungry ghosts], Water [And] Land [Dharma Assembly (水陆法会) and] other practices, although [these] have inconceivable meritorious virtues, however, nowadays, [they are by many] monastic assemblies seen completely as [reciting of formal but ‘impractical’] texts, [who] perfunctorily [i.e. half-heartedly] complete [the] practice [of recitation, thus] not [being] able [to] accord [with the] Dharma, rarely having true benefits. In ‘Dharma Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings’, [he] frequently reproached [and] admonished these, saying they only belong [to that of] spectacles [for public appearances, that] only create empty [conventional] etiquette.
[Note 24: The seven weeks is the maximum duration, during which the average deceased person might be in the bardo (中阴) state, when there will be rebirth, if not already reborn. If not reborn beyond this, they become ‘lonely (wandering) spirits and wild ghosts’ (孤魂野鬼), who still can be reborn in Pure Land, if they heed ample guidance and support-chanting. Great Master Yìnguāng also repeatedly taught that there should be focused recitation of the Buddha’s name (after offering guidance), as the key Practice for guiding and supporting the deceased to reach Pure Land. Although many other Buddhist recitations and practices do create much meritorious virtues, leading to better rebirths, it is with clear, focused and repeated guidance and support to reach Pure Land, that there is actual liberation from cyclical rebirth once and for all. Mere dedication of even much meritorious virtues for this purpose cannot effect this – if the deceased was not guided and supported to give rise to the Three Provisions.]
若专念佛，则人人能念，最为切实，能获莫大之利矣。
If focusing [on] reciting [the] Buddha[‘s name], then [will] everyone [be] able [to] recite, [with it] as [the] most feasible, [and] able [to] obtain [the] greatest of benefits.
[Note 25: It is not uncommon that at funerals, there will be family members and friends unsure and/or lazy, who prefer not to join in recitation practices, preferring to just ‘hang around’ instead. With reciting of the Buddha’s four-worded name being easy, they can be easily encouraged to join in, by telling them this – ‘All you have to do, is to follow us, to recite the Buddha’s name, as sincerely as they can, and to also listen to it, as sincerely as you can – so as to do your final part, to guide _____ (name of the deceased) to join in, to connect to the Buddha, for the best rebirth possible. If you do so sincerely, you will create great blessings for _____, and for yourself too.’]
如请僧众念佛时，家族亦应随念。但女众宜在自室或布帐之内，免生讥议。
If when inviting monastic assemblies [to] recite [the] Buddha[‘s name, those in the] clan [or household] also should follow [to] recite. However, women should [practise] in [their] personal rooms or inside cloth screens, [to] avoid giving rise [to] criticism.
[Note 26: Apparently, during the era the above was written, many funerals were held at home, with some criticising women joining in funeral recitation practices, with such sexist criticism possibly disrupting the practices. Thankfully, such a misguided view is no longer prevalent today. All women and men who understand these Dharma principles should confidently participate in funeral proceedings together, and even take charge, when possible, so as to best aid the deceased.]
凡念佛等一切功德，皆宜回向普及法界众生，则其功德乃能广大，而亡者所获利益亦更因之增长。
All recitations [of the] Buddha[‘s name and] all other meritorious virtues, should all [be] dedicated universally [to the] Dharma realm’s sentient beings. Thus [will] these meritorious virtues then [be] able [to become] vast [and] great. Then [will] those benefits that [the] deceased obtain also [be] even more, because of [this] reason, [with] increase [and] growth.
[Note 27: Counterintuitively, exactly since there is great concern for the deceased, there should be equanimous concern for all sentient beings (who also include the deceased), thus dedicating meritorious virtues to all. This practice of great compassion and generosity creates more meritorious virtues – for both the deceased and all other beings. Thus, dedication of meritorious virtues should always be to all beings in general first, before dedication to specific beings. Technically, there is no need to additionally dedicate to specific beings, as they were already included with all beings. However, if there is preference for more explicit expression of dedication to specific beings, which is understandable for those unable to directly see all beings as interconnected, this can still be done.]
开吊时，宜用素斋，万勿用荤，致杀害生命，大不利于亡人。
When opening [with] funerals, [there] should [be] eating [of] veg[etari]an [food, and there] absolutely must not [be] eating [of] meat, [as] causing killing [and] harming [of] lives, [will have] great disadvantages for [the] deceased persons.
[Note 28: Any food eaten by the family members and guests, and offered to the deceased, as made available at funerals, will be in the name of the deceased. With veg(etari)an food, there will be meritorious virtues created in the name of the deceased. With meat, there will be evil karma created in the name of the deceased. This is so as all of the funeral proceedings are made in the name of the deceased, because of their deaths.]
出丧仪文，切勿铺张。毋图生者好看，应为亡者惜福也。
Funeral processions’ ceremonies [and] formats, must not [be] extravagant. Do not plan [to make the] survivors look good, [as there] should [be], for [the] deceased, cherishing [of their] blessings.
[Note 29: Splurging on funerals to personally look good, and at the physical and spiritual expenses of the deceased creates much evil karma instead.]
七七以后，亦应常行追荐以尽孝思。莲池大师谓年中常须追荐先亡。不得谓已得解脱，遂不举行耳。
After seven [of] seven days, [there] also should [be] constant practice [of] seeking deliverance, with [this] fulfilling filial thoughts. [There] must not [be] saying [that the deceased have] already attained liberation, thereupon not upholding practices.
[Note 30: Even if there is fair or absolute certainty that the deceased have already reached Pure Land, deliverance practices can also guide and support others, such as those in the bardo state and wandering spirits, to reach Pure Land.]
第六章：劝请发起临终助念会
[The] Sixth Section: Encouragement [And] Request [To] Give Rise [To] Societies [With] Support-Chanting [For Those] Approaching [Life’s] End
此事最为切要。应于城乡各地，多多设立。
This matter [above] is [the] most important [and] essential. [There] should [be], in cities [and the] countryside everywhere, [with] utmost many [of them] established.
[Note 31: ‘Extremely’ many support-chanting societies practising the Dharma according to these principles are needed everywhere as there are extremely many people departing every day and all the time – without anyone or society offering proper guidance and support-chanting. If we all master these principles, and are able to share them with others around us, who in turn share them with more, we will be effectively creating such societies too, even if informally.]
《饬终津梁》中有详细章程，宜检阅之。
[As the] ‘Bridge [With] Admonitions [For The] End’ within has detailed rules [and] regulations [for the constitution of such societies, there] should [be] reading [and] reviewing [of] it.
[Note 32: The ‘Bridge With Admonitions For The End’, (that was first published in 1930 C.E.), can be studied at http://www.donglin.org/wenku/%E5%8F%A4%E7%B1%8D/%E9%A5%AC%E7%BB%88%E6%B4%A5%E6%A2%81%EF%BC%88%E6%B0%91%E5%9B%BD%E7%89%88%EF%BC%89.pdf. Based on Great Master Yìnguāng’s ‘Three Great Essentials When Approaching Life’s End’《临终三大要》, (that was first even earlier published in 1930 C.E.), and including it: https://purelanders.com/now, it was compiled by layperson Lǐ Yuánjìng (李圆净居士) as an expanded guide for support-chanting (societies), and as appraised by Great Master Yìnguāng. If this text is deemed not so easy to study due to its length and being in classical Chinese, the Three Great Essentials at least, should be familiarised with, as it is not long and has been translated into simplified Chinese and English already, with further notes too, bearing in mind that they truly contain the distilled essentials to know, as written by the Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch (净土宗十三祖), in his 70th year, merely ten years before he departed for Pure Land. In the text itself, the Great Master did not mention that there are other essential texts to study for guiding and supporting of the dying and deceased, although further study is surely beneficial – if they do not go against the essentials taught, and only support them. This teaching, ‘For The Last Day Of This Human Life’《人生之最后》is also considered as Great Master Hóngyī’s summary of the ‘Bridge With Admonitions For The End’, with mostly similarities with, and some minor differences from the ‘Three Great Essentials When Approaching Life’s End’. Great Master Hóngyī was also Great Master Yìnguāng’s only ‘official’ monastic disciple.]
第七章：结语
[The] Seventh Section: Concluding Remarks
残年将尽，不久即是腊月三十日，为一年最后。若未将钱财预备稳妥，则债主纷来，如何抵挡？
[With the] remaining [of the] year going [to] end, not long then is [the] twelfth lunar month’s thirtieth day, as one year’s last [day]. If yet [to be] with money prepared safely, then [with] creditors one after another coming, how [can they be] paid [and] warded off?
[Note 33: The creditors here represent karmic debtors and/or simply karmic debts from past accumulated evil karma.]
吾人临命终时，乃是一生之腊月三十日，为人生最后。若未将往生资粮预备稳妥，必致手忙脚乱呼爷叫娘，多生恶业一齐现前，如何摆脱？
When we approach [life’s] end, [it] then is one life’s twelfth lunar month’s thirtieth day, as [this] human life’s last [day]. If yet [to be] with rebirth’s provisions prepared safely, [this will] certainly lead [to] busy hands [and] confused legs [i.e. flustered chaos], [with] crying out [for one’s] father [and] calling [for one’s] mother. [With] many lives’ evil karma at [the] same time manifesting [in the] present, how [can they be] broken away from?
[Note 34: The Three Provisions for rebirth in Pure Land can be seen at https://purelanders.com/2018/02/08/the-three-provisions. The first piece of ‘good’ news is that even though one, several or many past and present lives’ sets of evil karma might ripen at the same time, not all of past and present lives’ evil karma can do so. This is so as there are specific supporting conditions needed for each set of karma to ripen, while it is impossible to have all conditions present for all sets of evil karma to ripen at the same time, as an astronomical number of conditions will be needed. The second piece of good news is that with utmost sincere mindfulness of Buddha, all evil karma that is ripening can be warded off with connection to the Buddha’s blessings.]
临终虽恃他人助念，诸事如法。但自己亦须平日修持，乃可临终自在。
[When] approaching [life’s] end, relying on other people [to have] support-chanting, all practices [must] accord [with the] Dharma. However, oneself also must [in] ordinary days [have] Practice. Then can [there be] approaching [of life’s] end [with] ease.
[Note 35: If guidance and supporting-chanting offered does not accord with the Dharma, it might even be better to receive them at all, doing our best with sincere personal Practice instead. This is so as that which does not accord with the Dharma might not only not lead to Pure Land, it might lead to a lower path. In this sense, we should always be our own primary support-chanter, while only seeing others as possible bonus support-chanters, if available for support.]
奉劝诸仁者，总要及早预备才好。
May [I] encourage all benevolent ones, [who] eventually must [depart], as soon as possible, [be] prepared, [with this] only then, [as] excellent.
[Note 36: As death is definitely arriving, and as it can arrive at any moment, all should be prepared with the know-how for handling it now, for ensuring that one and all (others we can help) will be able to reach Pure Land.]
Suggestions for improvement are welcomed. More translations are available at amituofo.com, purelanders.com and TheDailyEnlightenment.com.
Namo Amituofo : Translation and notes by Shen Shi’an
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《临终三大要》
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