龍舒增廣淨土文 6.12

6.12

Monks should reflect: 'I am a renunciant; realizing birth and death is my proper duty. Failing to do so, I will sink into worldly dust. When the final limit arrives one day, what can I rely on? Although I may have good karma in ordinary times, I cannot avoid following saṃsāra. When the retribution of good karma is exhausted, I will fall once again. It is better to cultivate the Pure Land early and escape straight out of saṃsāra; meeting Amitābha Buddha face-to-face is truly the completion of the renunciant's task.' Chan Master Yongming Shou, Chan Master Changlu Ze, and Chan Master Wannian Yi all cultivated this Path, and in turn transformed others, having them mutually exhort and transform one another. How could one not emulate them? Whenever you receive an offering of a single coin or a meal from someone, you should preach the Pure Land to them to repay their kindness. Even if they do not believe, still let them know of it; as their hearing gradually becomes familiar, over time they will naturally come to believe. If they believe right away, the benefit will be immense. If you constantly transform people like this, in the present life you will be respected by others, and your own good conditions will become increasingly mature. Furthermore, if you contemplate with focused mind, before long you will certainly see the Buddha's true body. After this retribution body comes to an end, you will certainly attain rebirth in the highest level of the highest grade and become a bodhisattva on the ground of non-retrogression. An ancient saying goes: 'If I do not liberate this body in this present life, / In what life will I liberate this body?' You should constantly keep this meaning in mind and never become indolent.