未老先衰，应专念佛
[159] [Those] Yet [To Be] Old [But] First Declining Should Focus [On] Mindfulness [Of] Buddha
阁下年未三十，已现衰相。固当舍博守约，专修净业。
Your excellency [is] yet [to be] thirty [years old, but] already appearing [with] appearances [of] decline. [You] certainly should renounce [(learning and practice of) the] extensive [to] observe [the] ‘simple’, [with] focused cultivation [of] pure karma [by practising mindfulness of Buddha (念佛)].
[Note 1: Even without signs of ageing, sickness and weakening, this life is already too short and unpredictable, to not focus on practising mindfulness of Buddha first, so as to prepare for the next life, which might arrive at any time.]
净业大成，再宏余法。庶得自利利他之实。否则虽能利人，亦非究竟。
[With] pure karma greatly accomplished, then propagate other Dharma [teachings]. Hopefully attaining true [benefits for] self-benefitting [and] benefitting [of] others. Otherwise, although able [to] benefit people, also not [able to] completely [do so].
[Note 2: Only with mindfulness of Buddha practised well, should there be consideration of whether to propagate other teachings or not later. Without learning, practising and sharing of the Pure Land teachings as the priority, it is difficult to truly benefit others completely, in terms of leading them to Buddhahood, via reaching of Pure Land for spiritual progress.]
净土宗十三祖印光大师
Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng
《印光法师文钞》（三编）：复圆净居士书；
Dharma Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings (Third Compilation): Reply Letter [To] Layperson Yuánjìng;
印光大师文钞菁华录（第一百五十九则）：三、示修持方法：戊、评修持各法（第二十二则）
Record [Of] Great Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings’ Essence (159th Short Section): 3rd [Chapter]: Guidance [On] Practice Methods: Fifth, Reviews [On] Practices’ Each Method (22nd Short Section)
[Ref: #159 / 3.5.22]
Namo Amituofo : Translation and notes by Shen Shi’an
相关典籍
Related Text:
《印光大师文钞菁华录》
Record Of Great Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings’ Essence
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