快已死偈
Verses For Those Soon And Already Deceased
若先知将死，即惟够时间。
略知为好事，勿悲废剩时。
速了世间事，好修学念佛。
If first knowing going to die, then hopefully with enough time (before death). As roughly knowing is a good matter, do not grieve and waste remaining time. Quickly complete worldly matters, to learn and cultivate mindfulness of Āmítuófó (阿弥陀佛) well.
[Note 1: An advantage from having received a medical ‘death sentence’ is that there can be time to settle miscellaneous matters of concern and prepare for rebirth in Pure Land (净土) properly. Since we all have to depart, for adequate preparation, it is better to roughly (or exactly) know when we will depart.]
若后知已死，即不多时间。
明知为好事，勿悲废剩时。
放下诸世事，切切诚念佛。
If later knowing already dead, then with not much time (before rebirth). As clearly knowing is a good matter, do not grieve and waste remaining time. Put down all worldly matters, to urgently and sincerely have mindfulness of Āmítuófó only.
[Note 2: An advantage from having been pronounced dead is that is no more need to settle miscellaneous matters of concern. There should just be utmost sincere focus on mindfulness of Āmítuófó’s name for rebirth in his Pure Land. Since we all have to depart, with a clear direction, it is best to know exactly where to be reborn.]
