Q and A about Practicing Amitabha-Recitation
Part Three - Assisted-Recitation near the End-of-Life
第三部分 有關臨終助念
Question 71: What signs indicate that a person who recites Namo Amitabha Buddha is definitely assured of rebirth in the Pure Land?
Answer:
1. At the time of passing away, the person can depart freely and easily, whether sitting or lying down.
2. He or she accurately knows in advance the time when rebirth in the Pure Land will occur.
3. He or she passes away while exclusively reciting Namo Amitabha Buddha.
4. At the moment of death, the person declares that the sacred realm of the Land of Bliss has appeared, and that Amitabha, the Bodhisattvas, and lotus flowers have come to welcome them.
5. Those who are assisting with the recitations at the bedside also see the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and lotus flowers from the Land of Bliss coming to receive the person.
6. Relatives or friends, in dreams, meditative states, or during their recitations,
clearly and unmistakably see the person appear, bearing the signs of having been reborn in the Pure Land.
7. After death, the entire body becomes cold, while the crown of the head remains warm.
If any one of these seven signs is present, it can be clearly concluded that the person has definitely attained rebirth in the Pure Land.
Other signs may also appear after the passing of one who had exclusively recited Namo Amitabha Buddha. (For example: a gentle smile on the face, a soft and supple body, heavenly music, or subtle fragrances. These too may generally be regarded as indications of rebirth in the Pure Land.
71問：念佛人有何徵相，證明決定往生？
答：一、走時坐臥自在。
二、預先準確知道何時往生淨土。
三、正念佛而終。
四、臨終自說極樂聖境現前，佛、菩薩、蓮花來迎。五、臨終助念人見極樂佛、 菩薩、蓮花來迎。
六、親友夢中、定中或念佛中，親見其人現往生淨土相，清晰確鑿。 七、死後全身冷透，頭頂溫熱。
以上七種，隨具其一，皆可明斷決定往生。
其他如念佛人命終之後面含微笑、身體柔軟、天樂妙香等，亦基本可視為往 生淨土之徵相。
Namo Amituofo!
