Q and A about Practicing Amitabha-Recitation
Part Three - - Amitabha-Recitation Near the time of Death
念佛實用問答(3) - 臨終助念
Question 76:
Although I recite Namo Amitabha Buddha in daily life, I am afraid that I may not be able to attain rebirth in the Pure Land. Can I arrange in advance for fellow lotus friends to come and assist with recitation at the time of my death?
Answer to Q76 :
Yes, you may arrange in advance for fellow lotus friends to assist with recitation. However, you should not think, “My rebirth through Nianfo is uncertain during ordinary times; only with assisted recitation can I attain rebirth.”
Rather, you should firmly believe: “Whether or not there is assisted recitation, one who recites Namo Amitabha Buddha in daily life will definitely attain rebirth.”
Nevertheless, due to the limitations of ordinary human feelings, a person at the end of life will naturally experience some loneliness and isolation. If family members neither believe in nor recite Namo Amitabha Buddha, they may handle matters according to worldly customs. They may be unable to understand the feelings of a Nianfo practitioner and act contrary to that person's wishes. This is always regrettable.
At such a time, if fellow lotus friends come and recite Namo Amitabha Buddha together, one will feel greatly comforted and warmly supported. After all, they share the same faith, recite Namo Amitabha Buddha , and will be reborn in the
same Pure Land in the future. Their bond is already close, and becomes even closer. To accompany one another at life's final moment, through the recitation of Namo Amitabha Buddha, is a source of deep consolation and joy for both parties.
(to be continued tomorrow)
76問：平日雖念佛，但恐不能往生，預先邀約蓮友至時來為助念，可以嗎？
答：可以預先邀約蓮友助念，但不要認為：平時念佛往生不定，必須助念才能 往生。應當深信：「不論有無助念，念佛決定往生！」
但凡夫常情所限，臨終之時難免孤寂，如果家眷沒有信佛念佛，按世俗方式 處置，不能體諒念佛人的心情，違背念佛人的心願，總是很遺憾的事；而這時 如果有蓮友來一起念佛，就會倍覺安慰與溫暖。畢竟同一信仰，現在念同一 佛名，當來生同一淨土，親上又親，臨終相送，是令彼此很快慰的。
Namo Amituofo!
