念佛须留心，不着悲喜魔
[67] [i] Mindfulness [Of] Buddha Must [Be] Careful, [To] Not [Be] ‘Possessed’ [With] Compassion [And] Joy ‘Demons’
学佛之人，一举一动，皆须留心。至于念佛，必须志诚。
Of people learning Buddhism, [with each] one action [and every] one movement, all must [be] careful. As for mindfulness [of the] Buddha[‘s name (Āmítuófó), there] must [be] sincere wholeheartedness.
或有时心中悲痛起来，此也是善根发现之相，切不可令其常常如是，否则必着悲魔。
Perhaps, sometimes within [the] mind, [with] grief [and sorrow] arising, this also is [a] sign of good roots rising [and] appearing, [but one] must not enable it [to] frequently [be] thus. Otherwise, [one] will [be] ‘possessed’ [with the] compassion ‘demon’.
凡有适意时，不可过于欢喜，否则必着欢喜魔。
When having all agreeable [and] comfortable, [there] must not [be] excessive joy. Otherwise, [one] will [be] ‘possessed’ [with the] joy ‘demon’.
念佛须调停，静坐不掐珠
[67] [ii] Mindfulness [Of] Buddha Must [Be] Arbitrated, [When] Quietly Sitting Not Clutching Beads
念佛时，眼皮须垂下，不可提神过甚，以致心火上炎，或有头顶发痒、发痛等毛病，必须调停适中。
When mindful [of the] Buddha[‘s name, the] eyelids must [be] drooping down. [There] must not [be] bracing [of] vitality [that is] too extreme, with [this] leading [to the] heart’s fire upward blazing, or having [the] top [of the] head itching, giving rise [to] pain [and] other illnesses. [There] must [be] arbitrating [and] moderating.
大声念，不可过于致力，以防受病。
[If] aloud reciting, [there] must not [be] excessive exerting [of] strength, with [this for] preventing receiving [of] sickness.
掐珠念，能防懈怠。
[If] clutching beads reciting, [this is] able [to] prevent laziness.
静坐时，切不可掐。掐则指动而心不能定，久必受病。
When quietly sitting, [there] must not [be] clutching. [With] clutching, then [with] fingers moving, then [will the] mind not [be] able [to] concentrate. [After] long, [this] will receive sickness.
[Note: Walking: Beads can be used when mobile, that is walking (行), to help maintain focus on the mindfulness of the Buddha’s name, instead of being distracted by whatever seen while walking. (They can also be used as a counter, by moving one bead per recitation.)
Standing: When standing (住), which is stationary, if the eyes can be half-closed (to let in some light to easier stay non-drowsy), there is no need to use beads as there is no avenue for visual distraction then. If the eyes have to stay open to look out for someone or something, beads can be used to help maintain focus.
Lying Down: When lying down (卧), as this is a still posture like sitting (坐), there should be no using of beads, to focus on the Buddha’s name only. However, to remind beginners to practise, especially those bedridden, beads can be offered as a tangible reminder of recitation quotas.
Silent Recitation: Those lying down should recite mentally to avoid harming their qì (气), while those used to reciting verbally can do so for a few times first.
In the Master’s ‘Fourth Reply Letter To Layperson Gāo Shàolín’《复高邵麟居士书四》, he taught that, ‘When lying down, it is only suitable to have silent (mental) recitation. There must not be verbal recitation. If with verbal recitation, first then, is it not respectful, second then, is it harmful for breathing and vitality.’ (卧时只宜默念，不可出声。若出声，一则不恭，二则伤气 [i.e. 损伤元气]。)
Thus, the weak and bedridden should recite verbally when propped up slightly or seated upright, with focus on silent recitation when lying down, if they are too weak to get up.
Clutching Beads: Beads can be worn or clutched as reminders in any posture without moving them, without being attached, lest without them in emergencies, including when on the deathbed.]
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》（续编）：诫初发心学佛者书；
Dharma Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings (Second Compilation): Letter [Of] Admonition [To] Those First Giving Rise [To The] Aspiration [To] Learn Buddhism;
印光大师文钞菁华录（第六十七则）：三、示修持方法：甲、示念佛方法（第十五则）
Record [Of] Great Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings’ Essence (67th Short Section): 3rd [Chapter]: Guidance [On] Practice Methods: First, Guidance [On] Mindfulness [Of] Buddha’s Methods (18th Short Section)
[Ref: #67 / 3.1.15]
Namo Amituofo : Translation 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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