華嚴經內章門等雜孔目章 4.19

4.19

Fourth, the methods of verifying rebirth: briefly, there are ten headings. (1) The heading of establishing a sanctuary: arranging a sanctuary, setting up an image of Amitābha Buddha, with banners, lamps, scattering flowers, bathing, burning incense, paying homage to the Buddha, circumambulating, and recollecting Amitābha for one day up to seven days; this verifies attaining rebirth. (2) The method of practicing for three times seven days: establishing a sanctuary as before, recollecting the Buddha, circumambulating, repenting, paying homage, and reciting Mahāyāna sutras; upon completing three times seven days, this verifies attaining rebirth. (3) Relying on the sixteen visualizations and the nine grades of rebirth: attaining the standard according to the sutra verifies attaining rebirth. (4) Relying on the Ullambana method: relying on the elder Naśas initiating the teaching, making the Ullambana basin; accomplishing it in accord with the teaching verifies attaining rebirth. (5) Relying on the Rebirth Sutra: raising yellow banners, displaying Buddha images, and performing the consecration (abhiṣeka) method; whether before death, at the time of death, or after death has completed, accomplishing it according to the dharma verifies attaining rebirth. (6) Observing bodily warmth: at the time of death, if the crown of the head is warm, this verifies attaining rebirth. (7) Relying on the Maitreyaparipṛcchā Sūtra: completing ten continuous mindfulnesses throughout one retribution life also verifies that this person will definitely attain rebirth. (8) Verifying the intermediate state (antarābhava) body: one also attains rebirth. If close sons and daughters at any time recognize that their parents' demeanor did not accord with the aforementioned verified marks, they should separately perform the three-week method on their behalf, invoking the name, circumambulating, repenting, and eliminating transgressions; if their sincerity is thorough and profound, this verifies the parents' rebirth from the intermediate state. (9) Relying on the consecration method: on the eighth day of the fourth month, consecrating Buddha images and bathing the Bodhi tree, with the merit extending to parents, brothers, and sisters; all are verified as attaining rebirth. (10) Throughout one's entire life: paying homage to the Buddha and repenting transgressions at the six intervals of the day, and whenever coming, going, or traveling, always taking leave and paying homage to apologize before the revered image without interruption; this verifies attaining rebirth.