樂邦文類 5.83

5.83

These two verses: the first four lines praise the Buddha's emitting of light. That light is named 'Seeing the Buddha,' which is able to cause those on the verge of death to see the Buddha and attain rebirth. The latter four lines praise the cause by which the Buddha cultivated this light. That cause is simply encouraging dying persons to practice buddha-mindfulness and showing them the Buddha's image; therefore, upon attaining buddhahood, he obtained this light. Now, the reason for broadly disseminating these verses is to exhort those of deep faith that whenever relatives or any people are on the verge of death, one should first place a Buddha image before their bed for them to see with their own eyes, and encourage them to practice buddha-mindfulness. If they are oppressed by pain, or previously had no faith and refuse to practice buddha-mindfulness, one must also use various skillful means to encourage them to recite the Buddha's name; down to ten recitations, they will extinguish heavy offenses and be reborn in the Buddha's Pure Land. This single benefit is inconceivable. If one can persuade even one person to be reborn in the Pure Land, even if one does not cultivate oneself, one naturally deserves to be reborn in the Buddha's land as well. How much more so when attaining buddhahood in the future, being able to emit light that shines upon all sentient beings so that they see the Buddha at the end of life! One often sees that worldly people, because of emotional affection, gather together and weep, not thinking of rescue and deliverance. How bitter, how bitter! They are called bad spiritual friends. Dragged along by emotional affection, they fall into evil destinies, with no time of liberation. In the world there are five kinds of people who refuse to practice buddha-mindfulness: first, those who previously had no faith; second, those who cling to wealth and treasures; third, those who cannot let go of wife and children; fourth, those who cherish their own bodies and lives; fifth, those who are obstructed by sinful karma. At death they fall into hell; may they awaken early!