Clarifying Doubts About the Pure Land (I)
淨土釋疑(一)
Question 31: Master, may I ask about the function and method of using a Dharani blanket? (1/3)
Answer: A Dharani blanket is printed with sutras and mantras. These sutras and mantras have the function of eliminating karmic obstructions, increasing blessings and wisdom, and even enable beings to depart from the three evil realms and the six realms of rebirth.
As for the method of use:
If it is a burial, the blanket is placed over the body, then the body is put into the coffin and buried together with it.
If it is a cremation, the blanket is first placed over the body in the coffin. After cremation, when the ashes are placed into the urn, the Dharani blanket is folded and placed on top of the ashes, and then the urn is sealed.
However, those of us who practice the Pure Land path should not rely on a Dharani blanket. If a family member has passed away and we do not know what their future destiny will be, then placing a Dharani blanket over them “just in case” is acceptable.
That said, when someone is approaching the end of life, the true Dharani blanket is to explain the Pure Land teaching to them, helping them to recite Namo Amitabha Buddha, and allowing them to hear it. By relying on Amitabha Buddha’s merit and virtue, they will be freed from the six realms of cyclic existence and reborn in the Land of Bliss.
We do not possess supernatural powers and do not know what their karmic burdens are; but, Amitabha does. By teaching them to recite Namo Amitabha Buddha and reciting with them, we are doing our utmost to provide end-of-life care.
(to be continued tomorrow)
31問：請問師父，陀羅尼被的作用和使用方法。(1 /3)
答：陀羅尼被本身所印的都是經咒，這些經咒有消除業障、增長福慧甚至令人 離開三途六道的功能。
使用的方法：如果是土葬，就蓋在身上，然後入棺，跟棺木一起下葬。如果 是火葬，就先放在棺木上，等火化完了，骨灰放入骨灰缸裏面，陀羅尼被再折 好，放在骨灰上，然後再蓋起來。
我們學習淨土法門，是不可以依賴陀羅尼被的。如果我們的親屬往生了， 不曉得他將來如何，所以給他蓋張陀羅尼經被，以防萬一，那這樣是可以的。
不過，如果遇到有人壽終，真正的陀羅尼被就是給他講說淨土法門，幫他 稱念六字名號，讓他聽聞，借助阿彌陀佛的功德，脫離六道輪迴，往生極樂世 界。
我們沒有神通，不曉得他的果報怎麼樣，但盡我們的力量去做臨終關懷。
Namo Amituofo!
