The Buddha-to-be asking his charioteer about the four sights

of ageing, sickness, death and renunciation for practice towards liberation

[1]

必死偈

死即必然，

除活往生。

莫惊已死，

今诚念佛。

Verse On Inevitability Of Death

Death is inevitable,

unless departing for Pure Land alive.

Do not be surprised if already deceased –

sincerely practise mindfulness of Buddha now.

[2]

必病偈

病即必然，

除康往生。

莫惊绝症，

今诚念佛。

Verse On Inevitability Of Sickness

Sickness is inevitable,

unless departing for Pure Land healthy.

Do not be surprised if terminally ill –

sincerely practise mindfulness of Buddha now.

[3]

必老偈

老即必然，

除少往生。

莫惊老弱，

今诚念佛。

Verse On Inevitability Of Ageing

Ageing is inevitable,

unless departing for Pure Land younger.

Do not be surprised if older and weaker –

sincerely practise mindfulness of Buddha now.

[4]

随时偈

死可随时，

除今往生。

莫惊少死，

今诚念佛。

Verse On Any Time

Dying might occur at any time,

unless departing for Pure Land now.

Do not be surprised if dying younger –

sincerely practise mindfulness of Buddha now.

[5]

痊愈偈

虽诚可愈，

净土痊常。

莫惊不痊，

今诚念佛。

Verse On Complete Healing

Although possible to heal with sincere practice,

complete and lasting well-being is in Pure Land.

Do not be surprised if not fully healed now –

sincerely practise mindfulness of Buddha now.

[6]

尽勤偈

虽今勤念，

亦当尽责。

莫惊未往，

今诚念佛。

Verse On Utmost Diligence

Although practising diligently now,

you also should fulfil your responsibilities.

Do not be surprised if not in Pure Land yet –

sincerely practise mindfulness of Buddha now.

南无阿弥陀佛

Namo Amituofo