火葬最易处理身躯
[204] Cremation [Is] Easiest [For] Handling [The] Body
火葬一法，唐宋佛法盛时，在家人多用之。然宜从俗葬埋，恐执泥者妄生议论。
[Of] cremation, [this] one method, when [in the] Táng [and] Sòng [Dynasties, with the] Buddha’s Dharma flourishing, [there were already] many householders using it. However, [there] should [be] following [of] common burial [nowadays (i.e. around 1940’s period in China)], fearing [that] those obstinately attached [to cultural ‘formalities’ might] give rise [to] criticism.
[Note 1: Cremation was already common in the Buddha’s time in India, and in the golden age of Buddhism in ancient China. However, due to cultural changes later, burial became more common. For the sake of family harmony, burial can be done. While burial is still slightly more preferred in China today, cremation is now more common in its large cities to save cost and space.]
[Note 2: This can be offered as final guidance (开示) before burial – ‘Let go of the useless body. Only be wholeheartedly mindful of the Buddha, until you see the Buddha, to follow the Buddha, to be reborn in his Pure Land, where there will only be ultimate bliss, with no more suffering! Āmítuófó…’ (放下没有用的身体。只要一心念佛，直到见佛，跟佛，往生到他那没有苦的极乐世界！阿弥陀佛… ) Then recite the Buddha’s name until burial is completed.]
实则烧之为易泯灭，过七七日烧弥妥。葬之年辰久，或致骨骸暴露耳。
Actually, burning it [i.e. the body] is easier [for its] obliteration, [with] passing seven [of] seven days [(ideally), is] burning [it] completely appropriate. [With] years of burial long, perhaps leading [to the] bones [being] revealed only.
[Note 3: To return the body to the elements without further need to rebury (or cremate) the possibly exposed remains later, direct cremation is the most efficient. Around 1940’s period in China, it was still possible to leave the body intact for forty-nine days before cremation, perhaps in rural areas. (Nowadays, depending on one’s location, burial or cremation usually has to be done within a few days.) This window period is in case the consciousness of the deceased is still attached to the body. To lessen this possibility, the guidance in Note 2 should be offered with support-chanting (助念) regularly.]
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》（正编）：复周孟由昆弟书；
Dharma Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings (First Compilation): Reply Letter [To] Zhōu Mèngyóu’s Brothers;
印光大师文钞菁华录（第两百零四则）：四、论生死事大：丙、示临终切要（第十四则）
Record [Of] Great Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings’ Essence (204th Short Section): 4th [Chapter]: Discussion [On] Births’ [And] Deaths’ Great Matter: Third, Guidance [On When] Approaching [Life’s] End’s Definite Essentials (14th Short Section)
[Ref: #204 / 4.3.14]
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
https://purelanders.com/jinghualu
