6月25日

因果不昧
明 袁了凡 ( 1533~1606 )

一時勸人以口，百世勸人以書，
功德悉皆無量，為善最樂。
五戒可保人身，十善可生天界，
因果決定不昧，讀書有益。

──選自《了凡四訓》

June 25

The Law of Cause and Effect Cannot Be Violated
Yuan Liaofan (1533 - 1606, Ming Dynasty)
English translation: Zhi Yue

Speech can persuade others for a moment,
Books can persuade for generations.

The merit is immeasurable;
Wholesome deeds are the utmost happiness.

The five precepts* ensures
    rebirth in a human form;
The ten wholesome conducts**
    lead to rebirth in the heavenly realm.

The Law of Cause and Effect
    cannot be violated,
There is benefit in studying.
── from Liaofan Si Xun (Liao Fan's Four Lessons)

*The five precepts are not killing, not stealing, no sexual misconduct, not
lying, and not taking intoxicants.

**The ten wholesome conducts are not killing, not stealing, not
committing adultery, not lying, not speaking harshly, not speaking
divisively, not speaking idly, not being greedy, not being angry, and not
having wrong views.