龍舒增廣淨土文 6.16

6.16

The wealthy should reflect to themselves thus: 'My abundance in this life is entirely due to the cultivation and planting of seeds in past lives, just as the grain eaten this year was planted last year. However, a person's food, clothing, wealth, and emolument are all fixed in quantity by the nether court. If one pursues a livelihood calmly and steadily, the portion that is due will come naturally; its slow arrival can indeed prolong one's life, just as shallow water flows for a long time. If one greedily and urgently seeks it, it is still only that fixed amount; if one gains beyond that amount, misfortune will arise and carry it away, just as water that is too full overflows. One should live according to one's lot, not letting it overflow, and diminish a little to relieve others so as to guard against overflowing. Not only can one enjoy the peace of the present life, but one can also plant future blessings. Furthermore, one should reflect that worldly blessings also have an end; if one dedicates them toward the Western [Pure Land], they are inexhaustible. Moreover, worldly wealth and abundance cannot satisfy one in every single matter; only by turning one's attention to the West will one naturally find true joy. Furthermore, print and distribute writings on the Western [Pure Land] together so as to broadly exhort others and cause them to exhort each other in turn. This is to plant inexhaustible blessings: in the present life it can eliminate disasters and avert calamities, and the ghosts and spirits will also respect and protect you; after death, one will certainly attain rebirth in the highest grade of the highest grade.'