慈悲道場懺法 1.9

1.9

Assembly sharing this karmic endeavor in today’s bodhimaṇḍa, each and every person should give rise to the thought of awakening, mindful that the world is impermanent, that the physical form does not long endure, and that youth and vigor must decline; do not rely on your appearance to abide in defiled conduct. All things are impermanent and must return to death; in heaven or on earth, who can remain? Youthful complexion, fresh and radiant skin, and clean and fragrant breath are not permanent safeguards of the body. Human association must return to destruction; birth, old age, sickness, and death arrive without fixed time—who can avert them for me? Disasters arrive suddenly and cannot be escaped; all the noble and the base have died because of them. The body bloats and swells, so foul that it cannot be smelled; what benefit is there in cherishing it in vain? Unless one diligently practices superior karmic deeds, there is no way to achieve transcendence. [We, so-and-so], reflect upon ourselves: our bodies are like morning dew and our lives are swifter than the western light; we were born into the world poor and lacking, with no virtue worthy of praise, our wisdom lacks the clarity of divine and sagacious great beings, our discernment lacks the penetrating illumination of the sages, our speech lacks the excellence of loyalty, harmony, benevolence, and goodness, and our actions lack the proper moderation of advancing and retreating, rising and lowering; erroneously making this resolve, we have wearied you benevolent ones and respectfully troubled the great assembly, with shame and fear intermingling in our hearts. Since the Dharma gathering has a set period and subsequent longing is unavailing, once we part from this, may each strive diligently, conscientiously offering veneration morning and evening; if everyone redoubles vigor, only this is delightful. We reverently pray that the assembly will each uphold this mind, put on the armor of forbearance, and enter the deep Dharma gate.