第三条原则：种种功德，回向净土
[3] The Third Principle: With All Kinds Of Meritorious Virtues, Dedicate For Birth In Pure Land
凡诵经、持咒，礼拜、忏悔及救灾、济贫，种种慈善功德，皆须回向往生西方。
Of all recitation of sūtras, upholding of mantras, prostrations, repentance, saving from disasters and helping of the poor, all kinds of compassionate and good meritorious virtues, all must be dedicated for rebirth in the Western Pure Land Of Ultimate Bliss (西方极乐世界).
切不可求来生人天福报。一有此心，便无往生之分。
There must not be seeking of future lives’ human and heavenly blessed rewards. Once having this mind, then is one without a part for rebirth in Pure Land.
而生死未了，福愈大则业愈大，再一来生，难免堕于地狱、饿鬼、畜生之三恶道中。
But with the cycle of birth and death yet to be liberated from, with blessings more and more great, then will evil karmas (created due to complacence and indulgence) be more and more great, again in the one next future life, it is difficult to avoid falling within the three evil paths of hell-beings, hungry ghosts and animals.
若欲再复人身，再遇净土即生了脱之法门，难如登天矣。
If desiring to once again attain the human body, and again encounter the Pure Land teachings, which is the Dharma door of attaining liberation in the immediate life, this is as difficult as ascending to the heavens.
佛教人念佛求生西方，是为人现生了生死的。若求来生人天福报，即是违背佛教。
The Buddha taught people to be mindful of the Buddha [Āmítuófó (阿弥陀佛)] to seek birth in his Western Pure Land, which is for people, in this present life, to be liberated from the cycle of birth and death. If seeking future lives’ human and heavenly blessed rewards, this then is contrary to the Buddha’s teachings.
如将一颗举世无价之宝珠，换取一根糖吃，岂不可惜？
If with one piece of a precious gem priceless throughout the world, exchanged to obtain one stick of sweets for eating, how can this not be a pity?
愚人念佛不求生西方，求来生人天福报，与此无异。
Of foolish persons mindful of the Buddha, yet not for seeking birth in his Western Pure Land, but for seeking future lives’ human and heavenly blessed rewards, with this, it is without difference.
净土宗十三祖印光大师
Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng
《一函遍复》
One Letter As A Common Reply
