TEMPLE SERVICES

Buddhism teaches that life is impermanent, and birth and death are natural processes. A person’s death marks the beginning of another cycle of reincarnation. To break free from this cycle and attain Nirvana, one must cultivate in this life by eliminating delusions and attachments through morality, concentration, and wisdom.

However, it’s not an easy task to overcome the afflictions of desire, delusion, and karma. To assist sentient beings suffering in the three lower realms, Mahayana Buddhism offers help through end-of-life practices. By reciting scriptures and mantras, the power of one’s focused thoughts can guide the dying towards rebirth in the Pure Land of the Western Paradise, where they can transcend the cycle of birth and death.

The Amitabha Sutra states that by sincerely reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha for one, two, three, four, five, six, or seven days without distraction, a dying person can be met by Amitabha Buddha and his retinue at the moment of death, ensuring a peaceful passage to the Pure Land.

The Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra also emphasizes that hearing the name of a Buddha, a Bodhisattva, or a single verse from a Mahayana scripture at the time of death can help alleviate severe karmic consequences and lead the deceased towards liberation.

In modern society, there is religious diversity, and many families hold various beliefs. Consequently, not everyone may fully understand the importance of Buddhist end-of-life care. Providing such care can alleviate the worries of the dying and help them transition peacefully, even when facing illness, pain, and the fear of death. Therefore, reciting scriptures and mantras with focused intent can be immensely helpful in guiding the dying towards the Pure Land of the Western Paradise.

Understand the patient’s religious beliefs and aspirations (e.g., the patient’s chosen deity, daily mantras, aspirations regarding rebirth or Pure Land). Maintain a quiet atmosphere by softly playing the Lotus Child Mantra or the Amitabha Buddha’s name near the patient’s bed, allowing the patient to listen with full concentration to aid in their recitation of Buddhist prayers.

If the hospital’s assessment confirms that the patient’s condition is beyond treatment, it’s advisable to arrange for a monk or a knowledgeable individual to provide guidance while the patient is still conscious. This guidance can help establish a connection with Buddhism, bringing joy to the patient’s heart and encouraging them to let go of worldly attachments, focusing solely on Buddhist recitations.

Place a large Buddha statue at the patient’s bedside, selecting one that corresponds to the patient’s faith, such as Grandmaster Lian-sheng, Amitabha Buddha, or the patient’s preferred Bodhisattva. This will enable the patient to see the statue regularly, facilitating their visualization of and aspiration for rebirth in a Pure Land.

To ease the patient’s mind and free them from anxieties, family members can consider the following:

a) Ask if there are any last wishes or concerns, and promise to fulfill them as much as possible.

b) Identify the people and matters that the patient typically worries about and explain how those concerns can be resolved.

c) Avoid having individuals the patient dislikes visit during this time.

d) Recall the patient’s past acts of kindness and virtuous deeds to evoke joy in their heart.

When the patient is nearing the end of life, ensure their comfort and inner peace. Family members and the recitation team should recite the Buddhist chants and mantras that the patient typically recites. If unknown, recite the name of Amitabha Buddha or the Rebirth Mantra.

Continuously remind the patient to fervently make vows, recite Buddhist scriptures, and aspire to be reborn in the Pure Land. Explain the significance of passing on to the Pure Land and guide them in this process, allowing them to find peace without worrying about family or worldly matters.

If permitted, you may gently cleanse the patient to ensure they are clean and comfortable in their final moments.

Encourage family members not to cry or mourn at the patient’s bedside, as this can affect the patient’s state of mind and hinder their passage to the Pure Land.

Mahayana Buddhism places great emphasis on caring for the deceased after their passing. When life comes to an end, consciousness doesn’t depart immediately. It takes approximately eight hours in a state of semi-consciousness for the arising mental consciousness to guide the departed to the cycle of rebirth in the six realms. The deceased retains only their auditory perception and consciousness. The grieving and crying of loved ones at the bedside can disturb the deceased and prevent them from generating pure thoughts for a peaceful transition to the Pure Land. Therefore, during these eight hours, it is essential to assist the departed in remaining calm and reciting scriptures and Buddhist mantras to encourage them to have steadfast faith and follow the Buddha’s name, guiding them to rebirth in the Pure Land.

Mahayana Buddhism believes that the consciousness of the deceased goes through a cycle of rebirth during the intermediate state (bardo) for forty-nine days. Therefore, it is of great importance to perform acts of kindness and recite scriptures on behalf of the deceased to eliminate their karmic obstacles within the forty-nine days.

The Chin Yin Buddhist  Temple recitation team offers end-of-life assistance that includes:

1. Funeral Home Scripture Chanting Ceremony: Reciting scriptures and dedicating the merits to pray for the guidance of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in guiding the deceased to the Pure Land.

2. Burial Service: Assisting in the transfer and purification of remains for burial and performing mantra recitations for the burial.

3. Cremation and Columbarium Service: Conducting purification rituals and scripture recitations for the transfer of ashes to a columbarium.

4. Seventh-day, Third Seventh-day, Seventh Seventh-day, or Anniversary Recitation Ceremonies: Reciting scriptures and dedicating the merits to accumulate blessings and provide spiritual nourishment for the deceased.

You can inquire about and choose the most suitable ceremony from the above options to maximize the merit and aid the deceased in reaching the Pure Land.