Facing Death: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

The True Nature of Departure

During the first session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we are invited to contemplate the most significant transition of our lives: death. For many, death is viewed with fear or sorrow, yet it is merely the conclusion of our current human body and the life we lead in this world. It marks the final chapter of the karmic cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death that has defined our existence thus far.

However, we must realise that death is not the end of our spirit. On the contrary, it is a new beginning for the spirit. For the practitioner who has dedicated their life to chanting the name of Namo Amituofo, death is the moment when they are no longer bound by the cycle of being reincarnated. It is the auspicious time to return back to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Seeing Through the Illusion

How, then, should we face the reality of death? We must first understand that everything in this world is illusory. The nature of the material world is unstable and constantly changing. Because we are often blinded by these illusions, we suffer. However, through the cultivation of our awareness, we can recognise this illusion for what it is. When we possess this clarity, we are no longer deceived by the shifting appearances of the world, and we learn to not cling to the things that are destined to fade away.

Living in Constant Union with the Buddha

To prepare for this transition, we must integrate the Buddha into every facet of our daily lives. We should strive to ensure that our entire being is aligned with the Buddha's presence:

• In our thoughts: We keep the name of Namo Amituofo at the forefront of our minds.
• In our actions: We perform Buddha-actions, ensuring our conduct reflects compassion and wisdom.
• In our hearts: We cultivate the Buddha-heart, filled with kindness and purity.
• In our vows: We align our personal aspirations with the Buddha-vow to save all beings.

By doing this, we ensure that we are always in the company of the Buddha, rather than being trapped by the karmic thoughts, karmic actions, karmic hearts, and karmic vows that bind us to suffering.

The Path to Fearlessness

When we live in this way, why should we fear death? When the human body eventually fails and the spirit departs, we will not be lost. Because we have lived in constant union with the Buddha, our spirit will remain with the Buddha at the moment of transition. By chanting the name of Namo Amituofo, we will be guided directly into the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the ultimate destination for every practitioner, and it is the promise of a life lived in the light of the Buddha.