龍舒增廣淨土文 6.4

6.4

士人或有未深讀書遂登高科者、有深讀書終身尚不預薦者，豈非前世所種不同，故其報不同乎？雖然，使少年登科涉華，要功業濟一時福報，亦有時而盡。奉勸後生者，勤於學問、篤於孝友，遠念吾曾高以來誰其存者？亦留心此道，日月長而積累之功多，久則自有可樂。及年高者，當念已往之事皆如夢幻，日復一日其誰免者？豈可不急留心此道也？不問老少，若能轉以化人使更相勸化，現世獲福，身後必上品生。

Among scholars, there are some who have not studied deeply yet pass the examinations with high honors, and there are some who have studied deeply yet throughout their lives fail to be recommended. How could this not be because what was planted in previous lives was different, and thus the retributions differ? Even so, suppose one passes the examinations in youth and attains high office, achieving deeds that bring fortunate retribution for a time; such fortune will also come to an end at times. I respectfully exhort younger people: be diligent in your studies and devoted to filial piety and fraternal affection; reflect from afar on your great-grandfathers down to the present—who among them still remains? Direct your mind also to this Path. Days and months are long, and the accumulated merits will be plentiful; over time you will naturally find delight in it. As for those advanced in years, they should consider that past events are all like dreams and illusions; day after day, who can escape [death]? How could one not urgently direct one's mind to this Path? Regardless of old or young, if you can turn around to transform others and have them mutually exhort and transform one another, you will obtain blessings in this present life, and after this life you will certainly attain rebirth in the highest grade.