The Truth of the Four Elements at the End of Life

Teachings from Namo Amituofo: Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On the first day of October, 2023, Namo Amituofo provided this profound discourse on the nature of our physical existence and the transition that occurs at the end of life.

The Fragile Tapestry of the Human Vessel

The existence of this physical body is a temporary manifestation, formed by the harmonious combination of the four elements. These four elements are the fundamental building blocks of our physical form:

• Earth: This represents the solid components of the body, such as the skeletal structure, the limbs, and the firm tissues that provide our physical frame.
• Water: This encompasses all fluids within the body, including blood, saliva, and other viscous or flowing substances that sustain our biological functions.
• Fire: This refers to the body’s warmth and internal temperature. As long as the body lives, this warmth remains; when life ceases, this heat dissipates. The internal organs also possess a basic temperature necessary to maintain their vital functions.
• Wind: This signifies the breath. The rhythm of our breathing, whether it is smooth or obstructed, has a profound impact on all other bodily functions.

The Final Breath and the Great Unravelling

When one’s lifespan in this world reaches its end, the functions of these four elements begin to age and decline. Eventually, these functions cease entirely. The most critical of these is the element of wind, which governs our respiration. When the final breath is exhaled and no subsequent breath can be drawn, the body ceases to function. At this moment, the body is like a lamp whose flame has been extinguished. The four elements separate, and the true self must depart from the physical form.

The Agony of the Departing Spirit

The departure of the true self occurs as the elements of earth, water, fire, and wind begin to disperse. This process is often accompanied by the intense suffering of the separation of the four elements. For many, this experience is as painful as having a turtle’s shell forcibly peeled away, or as agonizing as the sensation of being cut by sharp blades. The duration of this process varies from person to person:

• If the body is rigid and stiff, the true self finds it difficult to detach from the physical form, and the process of separation takes a longer time.
• If the body is soft and supple, the true self can depart with greater ease, experiencing little to no difficulty or pain, resulting in a much shorter duration of transition.

The state of the body after death often reflects the destination of the spirit. If the spirit is moving toward a virtuous realm, the body will appear soft and peaceful. Conversely, if the spirit is bound for a lower realm, the body will often manifest signs of distress.

The Radiant Path of the Buddha-Name

Regardless of the state of the body at the time of death—whether one is free from pain or currently enduring the suffering of the separation of the four elements—the most vital action is to continue to chant Buddha's name. If the spirit remains immersed in the continuous, uninterrupted recitation of the Buddha-name, it signifies that the heart and mind are focused entirely on the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. In such a state, Namo Amituofo will manifest to lead the spirit to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

However, if the chanting is interrupted, it indicates that the intention for rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is obstructed. In such cases, the Buddha may not appear, and the spirit will be guided by its own karmic forces toward its next destination.

The Eternal Vow of Diligent Practice

If you wish to leave behind the suffering of aging, sickness, and death, you must engage in diligent practice during your daily life. By focusing your mind and achieving success in your chanting, you can cultivate the strength required to transcend the suffering of the separation of the four elements. During the final moments, the physical body is often in such pain that it becomes difficult to maintain the chanting of the Buddha-name. Only through the power of deep, consistent practice can one remain undisturbed by physical agony or the interference of karmic creditors.

If you are fortunate enough to be bathed in the Buddha’s light and led into that light, and if you continue to chant Buddha's name upon seeing the Buddha, you will be guided directly into the light and reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, thereby fulfilling your great vow of rebirth.

Namo Amituofo