天地之中，凡有血氣，皆有鬪心，更相噉食，其苦無量。幸而為人，差似樂者，僻在蠻夷，亦相屠害，與苦相應。又幸而生於中國，其樂頗勝，試考於古史，兵饑疫癘，苦相居多。又幸而老於治世，誠可樂也，其困窮微賤疲羸殘癈之屬，猶有不勝其苦者。至於大幸，富足貴豪、康強聰慧之徒，其樂為何如哉？或嗜欲未滿其志，或憂患遽及於身，尚且不免悲思驚嘆，有自以為苦者。佛說眾生世界為苦趣，此真實語也。故學佛者先修苦行，經無數劫，求寂滅樂，未得少分。然則何以疾度此苦厄，徑至樂地耶？佛大慈悲，開方便門。云：「此西方有無量壽佛，國名極樂，眾生起一念信心，持彼佛名號，即得往生；同無量壽，更無老病死者；神通智慧，與無數劫修行者，等無有異；故名極樂。」此又真實語也。自佛教東行，陰修密證者不可勝數，但昧者不知耳。近讀極樂居士結集西方淨土懺文法門，乃學佛者之捷徑，屬予讚嘆，故亦以真實語識之。

In the realm of heaven and earth, all living beings—every creature with blood and breath—possess a fighting heart, devouring one another, and their suffering is boundless. Those fortunate enough to be born human may seem to experience some joy, yet even in remote barbaric lands, they slaughter one another, remaining entwined with suffering. Even those more fortunate, born in the civilized Central Lands, find their joys somewhat greater, yet if one examines ancient history, war, famine, and plague bring suffering far more frequently. The luckiest may grow old in times of peace, which is indeed a cause for joy, yet the poor, the lowly, the weak, the disabled, and the destitute still endure unbearable suffering. As for the supremely fortunate—the rich, noble, strong, healthy, and intelligent—what kind of joy is theirs? Yet even they find their desires unsatisfied, or are suddenly struck by worry and sorrow. Inevitably, they experience grief, fear, and lamentation, and some still consider themselves miserable.

The Buddha declared that the world of sentient beings is a realm of suffering—these are true words. Thus, those who study the Buddha first cultivate ascetic practices for countless eons, seeking the bliss of nirvana, yet attaining not even a fraction of it. How then can one quickly cross this sea of suffering and arrive directly at the land of joy? The Buddha, in his great compassion, opened the door of skillful means, saying: "In the West, there is the Buddha of Infinite Life, whose land is called Ultimate Bliss. If sentient beings awaken a single thought of faith and uphold that Buddha's name, they will be reborn there. They will share his infinite life, free from aging, sickness, and death. Their supernatural powers and wisdom will be equal to those who have cultivated for countless eons—without any difference. Therefore, it is called Ultimate Bliss." These too are true words.

Since the Buddha's teachings spread eastward, countless practitioners have cultivated in secret and realized the truth, though the ignorant remain unaware. Recently, I read the "Pure Land Repentance Ritual" compiled by the Layman of Ultimate Bliss. This is a direct path for Buddhist practitioners. He asked me to write a eulogy, so I have set down these truthful words.

Ritual of Repentance and Mindfulness of Amitābha (禮念彌陀道場懺法)

Ritual of Repentance and Mindfulness of Amitābha (禮念彌陀道場懺法)