时间过得很快，不知不觉中，今年已经又过去了，第二年即将来临。这表示人从生到老死也是不知不觉，生老病死迅速交轮，人就糊糊涂涂过了一年又一年。如果我们不觉悟生死的问题，就这么糊涂生、糊涂死，这种人生到底有何意思？看看每个国、家、人，都是跑这条老路──生，糊涂生；死，糊涂死，糊涂的生命总被无明遮障。

Time flies, and the year has gone by before we know it; the next year is approaching. In the same way, people progress from birth to old age and death without being aware of it. Birth, old age, sickness, and death come in quick sucession as we pass the years in muddled confusion. If we do not wake up to our own birth and death, then, having been born muddled, we will also die muddled. What meaning is there to this kind of life? Take a look! In every country and family, every person is taking this well-worn path of muddled birth and death; we lead our muddled lives in total ignorance.

怎么样有了无明？“一念不觉生三细”：业相、现相、转相三细生出之后，继续扩大，在生命里就产生千差万别，所以每个人有种种因缘与遭遇。我们觉悟到这种情形，就要发大菩提心，求得智慧明白。佛是最明白最有智慧的人，故称为大觉者。我们想从糊涂返归明白，先要尽力去除习气毛病，这样智慧光明就会现前。

How does ignorance come about? One unenlightened thought produces the three subtle attributes: the attribute of karma, the attribute of manifestation, and the attribute of turning. The three subtle attributes result in all the various differences in our lives. Each individual finds himself in various situations, and each has his own lot in life. Once we recognize what is going on, we should make a great resolve to reach enlightenment and seek wisdom and understanding. Since the Buddha has the greatest understanding and wisdom, he is called the Greatly Enlightened One. If we want to stop being muddled and attain understanding, we must first do our best to get rid of our bad habits and faults, for only then can our wisdom shine forth.

旧历新年即将到来，希望大家生大觉悟心！

The lunar new year is coming, and I hope everyone will make a great resolve to seek enlightenment!

是日已过，命亦随减；
如少水鱼，斯有何乐？
大众！当勤精进，如救头然；
但念无常，慎勿放逸。

This day is already done,
 and our lives are that much less.
We're like fish in an ever-shrinking pond.
What joy is there in this?
Great assembly!
We should be diligent and vigorous,
 as if our own lives were at stake.
Only be mindful of impermanence,
and be careful not to be lax.

一九八三年二月十日晚间开示
于万佛圣城