Special Readings or Prayers and Meditations
Epistle of the White Ashes
When we deeply consider the transient form of people's lives, we realize that in this world, from beginning to end, nothing is more fragile and fleeting than the course of human life.
Thus, we have not yet heard of anyone receiving a human form that lasts for ten thousand years. Life swiftly passes. Can a person preserve his body for a hundred years at the present time? Not knowing whether death will come today or tomorrow, those who depart before us are as countless as the drops of dew.
Therefore, in the morning, we may have radiant health; in the evening, we may be white ashes. When the winds of uncertainty strike, our eyes are closed forever. When the last breath leaves our body, the healthy colour of the face is transformed and we lose the appearance of radiant life. Family and relatives may gather and lament, but to no avail. When such an event occurs, the body is sent into an open field, and when it has vanished with the midnight smoke, nothing is left but white ashes. This is indeed indescribably sad.
Thus, we see that what man cannot control is the passing away of young and old alike. Therefore, we are brought to understand that each moment of our life, every day, is precious and unrepeatable. Cherishing this Truth, let us entrust ourselves to Amida Buddha, and repeat his Sacred Name, "Namo Amida Butsu."
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